The Bermuda Football Association and Digicel have joined together to launch a football fund which will provide financial support to local youth teams.

The fund is specifically for clubs with under-13, under-11, under-9 and under-7 teams, and will go towards equipment and kit.

The BFA will today distribute submission forms plus additional information to all of the local clubs, who will have a two-week window to submit their requests.

At the launch at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence yesterday, Donn Foggo, the Digicel marketing manager, said: “Two weeks ago the telecoms company donated four packs to clubs, which included bibs, Adidas balls and T-shirts, and cones to clubs.

“The fund is the next step in providing meaningful assistance to clubs and ensuring they get equipment and kit that provides benefits beyond just one season.

“We realise very often the needs of clubs outweigh funding to match these needs. We hope this fund will go some way in addressing that imbalance and helping them develop the many young talented young footballers.”

“We’d like to thank the BFA for their time and input into the fund, and for their support. General secretary David Sabir and his staff are a credit to the association and, of course, a big acknowledgement to the coaches, staff and volunteers who run the clubs. It is absolutely a labour of love.”

Sabir added: “When Digicel approached me about the establishment of this fund clearly we were very excited that another corporate entity in Bermuda is looking at the value of football and the role it plays in our community.

“We are certain the clubs will use it for its intended purpose of supporting youth football,” Sabir said.

Since 2016, Digicel has donated over $345,000 in various sporting, cultural, charity and musical events, as well as supporting youth sports and athletes through sponsorships, donation of services and supply of kit.