A football club has teamed up with a charity which helps youngsters struggling with their mental health receive counselling.

Ebbsfleet United FC has announced its new partnership with the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund (EHMF) to support more young people.

Football club chief executive Damian Irvine said: “Our club is deeply rooted in the community, and we see first-hand the challenges young people are facing.

“By partnering with EHMF, we are committed to helping them extend their reach and impact, ensuring more young people get the support they need.”

The mental health service was set up a year after Elliott Holmes, 19, passed away in June 2020, after struggling for several years with his mental health.

His stepdad Peter Scutts and mum Kerry were determined his legacy would be to help others and so far have given more than 250 youngsters in Gravesham access to fast and direct counselling.

The organisation aims to provide funding for one-to-one private talking therapy for vulnerable young people aged between 13 and 18 living in the borough.

It is hoped the collaboration with the football club will allow the charity to use its platform to raise awareness and build stronger connections with nearby schools.

EHMF director Peter Scutts said: “This partnership with Ebbsfleet United FC is a major boost for us.

“Together, we can highlight the growing need for mental health services and make counselling more accessible for the youth of Gravesham.”

Earlier this year, it launched a new sports initiative to continue to raise awareness of the service - an Inter-Schools Wellbeing Trophy football match.

It was hosted at Ebbsfleet United FC’s stadium and the club donated the money raised from the gate on the day to EHMF.