Weymouth's Football in the Community programme is making tracks - thanks to South West Trains.

The rail operator has today signed a major four-figure sponsorship deal with the Terras.

The cash will be used to fund the refurbishment of the Terras Tavern at the Wessex Stadium - a facility that will then be utilised by youngsters throughout the

borough.

South West Trains has also agreed to support a range of community activities including the popular Saturday Schools.

Flagship

Delighted Terras football in the community officer Tim Davis said: "I have been searching for a flagship company to become involved with us and South West Trains fit the bill superbly.

"I am really grateful to Pauline O'Shea and Simone Welsh from the firm for their help in organising the deal.

"If all goes well the new facility will be open for the start of the new season and I hope people will be happy with the result."

He added: "We have not forgotten our current users of the Terras Tavern such as the darts teams who will be fully incorporated and they will hopefully be pleased with their new surroundings when they are completed as well.

"What we are now searching for is some local tradesmen to come

forward and donate a few hours of their valuable time to assist with the work required."

Weymouth director Tony Greaves said: "We are indebted to South West Trains for the sponsorship of the refurbishment of the Terras Tavern.

"Once this has been done it will allow all the young players associated with the club, via our youth teams and our soccer in the community programme, to benefit greatly.

"It will also allow us hold other meetings and functions at the ground in pleasant surroundings.

"We look forward to working with South West Trains and thank them for their generous support."

SATURDAY

FOOTBALL FUN

This week's Saturday Football Fun will be held at Budmouth Technology College between 10am and 2pm. Once again our sincere thanks go to Stuart Bell for arranging the session and it is great to see a partnership flourishing between the college and the Terras.

To ensure that as many children as possible are able to attend there is a new pricing structure beginning this week.

Tim Davis explained: "I have responded to the views of many local parents that want their children to come to the football fun sessions but simply cannot afford.

"I have done this by reducing the cost to just £3 per child.

"This represents tremendous value for money and parents can leave their children for four hours with us, safe in the knowledge that they will be supervised at all times.

"An added bonus is that if we spot children that don't currently play for youth teams that we think have potential we will recommend them to the Weymouth FC youth coach of their age group.

"So come on kids the opportunity is there to come along and have some fun but also the possibility exists for you to join the Terras."

COACHES URGENTLY REQUIRED

The Terras Football in the Community team is looking for people to come forward who are either qualified coaches or who wish to become one.

Tim Davis explained: "With the success of the soccer schools and school visits, resources are getting stretched so it is imperative that we get more help on board.

Expand

"I am looking to greatly expand the community activities next

season by offering Saturday and Sunday soccer schools, in-school coaching, after school clubs,

specialist position coaching and much more.

"But to do so and offer the quality expected, assistance is required.

"The opportunity is there for

people to get involved and I also want to actively encourage young people into becoming coaches as it is extremely rewarding."

n If you would like to offer sponsorship or assistance please contact Football in the Community Officer Tim Davis on 0797 488 5259 or e-mail tdavis@tgwusouthwest.free

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