A JUNIOR football team based near Lowestoft has been kitted out with new waterproof jackets and warm fleeces thanks to a �250 donation by EDF Energy Networks.

A JUNIOR football team based near Lowestoft has been kitted out with new waterproof jackets and warm fleeces thanks to a �250 donation by EDF Energy Networks.

The energy firm donated the money to Burnt Hill 95 FC after employee David Savill applied for a grant as part of the company's Team Sport Award scheme.

EDF Energy Networks runs the scheme to encourage staff to take part in community-based projects that promote health and fitness.

David is an area manager working with the Eastern Counties Industrial Trust which is involved in promoting links between schools and industry. Based at EDF Energy Networks' offices at Fore Hamlet, Ipswich, David is a regular helper at the club and his son Johnny plays in the under-13s team.

He said: 'We are very grateful to EDF Energy Networks for the award. We are quite a small club and this has really helped us to get the team looking smart as well as supplying essential wet and cold weather gear for training and matches. I know that during the recent weather conditions the boys have really appreciated it.

'I've been involved since 2004, when Johnny started playing mini soccer and I began helping out on a fairly regular basis. In that time I have been involved in coaching, driving the players to matches and helping prepare for training.

'Last summer, another dad and I co-managed a team through a six-a-side tournament, which they ended up winning.'

Burnt Hill 95 FC is based at the Uplands Community Centre in Carlton Colville and plays in the Norfolk and Suffolk Youth Football League in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney areas. Founded in 1995, it plays five teams from under-9s to under-14s.

Through EDF Energy Networks' Team Sport Award scheme, dozens of community groups have benefited from financial assistance. Last year more than �13,000 was donated to sporting groups which the company's staff worked with.