LYDIARD Youth FC, based in Swindon, have been given a helping hand by local McDonald’s franchisee Paul Booth who has provided funding of over £1,000 towards new goalposts for the club.

Paul, who runs six restaurants, has stepped in to support Lydiard Youth FC as part of the McDonald’s Community Football Programme.

The programme aims to encourage more people to get involved in the game either as players, supporters or coaches, with kit and equipment donations being just one element of the scheme to help raise the standards of grassroots football.

Paul, who has supported the club for three years, said: “Lydiard Youth FC is a great football club dedicated to helping young players from the area enjoy the game.

“It is my pleasure to be able to help them out by providing funding for the new goalposts – here’s hoping the ball sees a lot of the opposition nets this season.”

Lydiard Youth FC was founded in 1999 and currently boasts more than 70 players from under-7s up to under-14s age groups.

The club achieved FA Charter Standard status in 2006.

Greg Wilmot, Lydiard Youth FC manager, said: “We can’t thank Paul enough for his generous donation towards the new football goals.”

“We are a community focused club and these equipment donations mean we can continue to welcome new players into Lydiard FC as a place for them to enjoy learning and playing the game.”