Youth football team looks the part after netting The Centre, Livingston sponsorship

The Centre, Livingston has announced its first-ever sponsorship of a local football team following a West Lothian-wide competition to win a new kit ahead of the season getting underway.

Mid Calder Colts 2014s were the winners after The Centre were inundated with their application - submitted by coach James Isted - standing out.

The dedication and team spirit of the young players, the commitment from the coaches to make sure all the kids have fun and the recent welcoming of players from Craigshill Thistle FC which folded due to financial difficulties were highlighted as reasons behind the decision.

Although the club is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the team James coaches, which has 24 kids including his son, all aged 8 and 9 has only been around for two years.

The footballers train every Monday on the astroturf pitch behind Livingston FC and on a Friday near Oakbank Bowling Club in East Calder.

They play in the West Lothian Soccer Development Association league at the weekend in Bathgate on the astroturf pitches at Xcite. Since the club moved away from Fun 5s in March this year to 7-a-side, the team have also started to attend football festivals across the central belt.

James said: “Everyone involved in Mid Calder Colts 2014s is thrilled to have been selected as the club to receive new football strips from The Centre, Livingston and wish to extend their huge thanks and appreciation.

“The West Lothian Soccer Development Association league, that we are part of, firmly believes in the ‘Let Kids Play’ agreement to create a fun, friendly and safe environment for children of all abilities to play football - we’re so pleased our approach to this was highlighted by the judging panel.”

Robert Graham, Deputy Centre Director