Douglas Athletics Football Club’s junior team goes from strength to strength.

Since starting training sessions in 2016 for children from school reception age, DAFC is now coaching around 80 youngsters each week right through to year five (aged nine and 10) pupils.

One of the DAFC junior coaches, Lee Shields, said: ’It is amazing to think we now have 11 dedicated FA qualified coaches, growing from just two when we began the junior programme three years ago. It has expanded so quickly we believe it is the fastest growing junior football set-up on the island.

’To have 80 children registered on our books across five age groups means we now hire two sports halls throughout the winter to accommodate our numbers.

’It’s so important to provide a healthy and safe environment for young players to learn and develop within the sport and the sponsorship provided by [accountancy firm] PwC makes such a difference in the community and is an integral part of our junior set-up.’

Douglas-based PwC has renewed its sponsorship of the team for a third year to help the club meet its aims. It has paid £1,000 a year.