League champions Devonshire Cougars have announced their new sponsorship deal with local construction company Burt Construction just weeks before the start of the season.

The deal, which will run for the foreseeable future, will see the club get new football gear including jerseys for both the domestic and international campaigns the side are about to embark on. The side is set to take part in the 2010 CONCACAF Champions League.

Along with gear, Burt Construction will also look to assist the club in their giving back to the community, something that is very dear to the club.

Being a major hub of their surrounding community, Cougars matches are regularly attended by large masses of fans, many of which sport the colours of their beloved club.

Devonshire Rec. president Craig Clarke is pleased with the sponsorship deal, noting that it is the club's first corporate sponsor and the vision of both parties identical.

"When it comes to the sponsorship of the club this is something that we will be grateful for," said Clarke. "Devonshire Rec. is the epicentre of our community and for a local black company to come onboard and help is something that will make our community very proud.

"With Burt Construction coming onboard, which is our first corporate sponsor to assist, we are happy with what they will help us do.

"A lot of times companies come onboard and then say clubs aren't doing this and that but to have a sponsor like Burt shows the Island that there are local companies willing to endorse local football.

"Through his sponsorship we will go from strength to strength."

David Burt of Burt Construction agreed with Clarke in his sentiments of not only helping the club itself, but also the community.

"We are very happy to get involved and we have seen first hand the power the club has over the community and we would like to work with the club to see what else can be done around the club and also in the community.

"We will look into a website and things of that nature and how to get the club moving further forward and hopefully be a benchmark for the rest of the clubs."

Skipper Kwame Steede added: "I'm happy that one of the local companies took interest into football, not too many people want to invest in local things for whatever reason.

"For the company to come and say that they are willing to sponsor us or to even think about sponsoring us, I'm all for it.

"I'm happy that they have come on board, to go along with the other sponsors that we do have. We are all one family now so we will move forward as one."

n Khano Smith's bid to revive his professional football career took him to the North of England yesterday.

The Bermuda international played for Lincoln City reserves in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United reserves at Whitley Park.

Lincoln is the second stop on Smith's UK journey. He recently played a trial game for League One club Southend United, but wasn't asked back.

Smith began the season at New York Red Bulls but was let go after a dip in form