John Healey presents Kilnhurst Primary School with a £400 sports kit

Kilnhurst Primary School was celebrating today after receiving a brand new sports kit.

Wentworth MP John Healey nominated the school to receive the Nike kit worth £400 through the Football Foundation’s Junior Kit Scheme.

Mr Healey, who was invited to a special assembly at the school this afternoon (Friday), said: “This will give the school and team a real boost after a tough period following the flooding. Anything that encourages children in primary schools to get involved in sport must be a good thing.”

Kilnhurst Primary has been overhauled after being badly damaged in last summer’s floods. Their last kit was lost and the football pitch is currently out of action - it has had to be reseeded and is unlikely to be usable until next spring.

Headteacher Sue Howe said the enthusiastic team currently had to train on the playground, which put them at a disadvantage going into matches. Last year the school lifted the Totty Cup for the first time in 30 years – but this season they were knocked out in the first round.

But she said: “I think morale will really be lifted by the new kit. It’s a nice boost, not just for the children but for the school and parents, who have helped tremendously.”

The school picked the style of kit, which they wanted to include red, the school’s colour. The strip will be well-used, not only by the boys’ and girls’ football teams but by the netball team and other sports teams as well.

They even had enough cash left over for new water bottles, carriers, kit bags and football pumps.

Through the Junior Kit Scheme, the Football Foundation is providing £1m of kit and equipment vouchers to junior clubs and schools, ensuring young players of all abilities have the best possible start in the game. Items available include a full strip, training bibs, balls, flags and kit bags. A female range is also now available to encourage girls to get involved in football.

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, and is funded by the Government, Premier League, The Football Association and Sport England.

England and Arsenal FC striker Theo Walcott, ambassador for the Junior Kit Scheme, said: “I know how important it is for young players to feel they are wearing the best kit when running out on the pitch.”