A FOOTBALL club has been given a cash boost to bridge the gap between its junior and adult teams.

Thirsk Falcons Football Club has established an under 17/18 team to provide a progressive route for the current under 16 age group.

The new team is also intended to attract boys back into football from the local area that have not been provided with an opportunity to keep playing in recent years.

To help fund the new team, the Falcons received a £2,400 grant from from Hambleton District Council’s Small Grant Scheme.

It enabled the club to replace goal nets, buy two new goals, footballs, corner flags and pay the FA affiliation, league registration and referees.

Club chairman Wayne Sowden said: “The project is an important step to achieve the club’s overall ambition of strengthening the link between the juniors and seniors teams in Thirsk and to raise the overall standard of football to be able to compete in the National League North which will ultimately aim to bring semi-pro football to Thirsk.”