Ashby United Community Football Club has will be supported by the Co-op this year as one of its chosen local causes.

Each year, Ashby Co-op provides funding for three local organisations whose aim is to provide a service to the community.

Ashby United was set up last year with a view to establishing themselves as a club providing junior football in an ever-growing town.

And that is where the Co-op money will be going, as chairman Murrae Blair-Park explained: "Ashby United is coming up to its first year and we're becoming the bedrock of junior football in this area.

"Marlborough and Ivanhoe are great clubs, but to get to where we are now, we've grasped the development and the welfare aspect of the children as well.

"That's where the Co-op funding will go, the continuing development of junior football, 16 and below.

"Especially with all the new houses being built in the area, families will need something to do.

"For years, there were two clubs in Ashby, now there's a third and we've grown participation in the game.

"We're driving the recruitment of girls to play as well - we've also got an autistic adult with us who wants to being people in who need support."

Ashby United says they also see themselves as an inclusive club and recently supported the FA's Rainbow Laces campaign.

Murrae added: "We've been way ahead of everybody else on that.

"We're welcoming and supporting of different groups.

"That's the important thing."

Coach and secretary, Alex Clarke, says the aim is to expand the age groups at Ashby United.

Alex said: "We've set up a soccer school and the entry level there is age four.

"We've had a Saturday morning session happening at Prior Park Road and now we hire Hood Park astroturf.

"From having maybe 10 or so children, we're up to about 30-40 now with a waiting list.

"They it and we hope to have an all-girls team in the future."

Murrae added: "We have a coaches forum where we can talk about mental health and welfare.

"There's a WhatsApp group where we can share ideas."

Alex added that the fun aspect of Ashby United is another major part of the club.

He said: "We recently had a 'Run Around the World' event online, to encourage people to run and cycle.

"It's made people have a focus, from a personal point of view, I can't stop running at the moment.

"We don't have anyone who's been left out."

Murrae added: "We couldn't get to the level we have without the support of the Co-op.

"And we see the Co-op as very much part of the Ashby United family.

"We know there's a timescale on this, but that won't change our point of view.

"It also helps footfall in the stores."

Ashby United intend to be playing fixtures after March 29 as lockdown measure gradually ease.

Co-op members, who receive a personal reward for themselves with one per cent of what they spend on Co-op own label products and services going to local causes, have a say in how the money is allocated.