Chester FC Community Trust has donated three bags of footballs to show its support for Blacon Youth Football Club.
At the end of last month the club was the victim of a break-in at its Cairns Crescent ground with thieves tearing down cupboard doors and stealing a number of items including a small amount of cash, a Nintendo Wii games console, sweets, crisps and a bike.
It was the second time the club had been targeted in the space of two months but volunteer coaches and helpers vowed the break-in would not impact on the football sessions provided for children.
Chester FC Community Trust visit to Cairns Crescent last week to donate training and match balls which will be distributed between the club's junior sides.
First-team stars James Alabi and Kane Richards, youth teamer Tom Crawford, who played for Blacon Youth as a youngster, and Calum McIntyre, head of the club's academy, surprised children attending a soccer school and handed over the footballs before joining in a game.
Jim Green, chief executive of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “Grassroots clubs like Blacon Youth have such a positive impact on children that when we heard about the break-in, we wanted to do our bit to show them how much their work is appreciated.
“Jon McCarthy and Calum McIntyre were extremely supportive and between us we rounded up some footballs to donate to the club. It's a small gesture but Blacon Youth were very gracious and we know they will be put to excellent use providing opportunities for young people to play football.
“I know Chester supporters take immense pride in seeing local talent like Tom Crawford progress into the first-team so as a Trust we recognise how important it is to support the grassroots.”
