kmilanian@thekmgroup.co.uk

They might only be pint-sized but a children’s football team has won sponsorship from one of the biggest companies in the world.
Fast food giant McDonald's has given Fairview Rangers new shirts, footballs and training equipment. The young players received the kit from Ronald McDonald at their pitches behind Bredhurst village hall in Hurstwood Road.
The team started as a kickabout between father and son Steve Hawkins and six-year-old central midfielder Alfie but the club has now grown to have more than 30 members aged five to seven and FA-qualified coaches.
Mr Hawkins said: “This is very important to use because I was funding it all myself, now they have paid for everything.
“One of the parents works for McDonald's at Beechings Way, Gillingham, so they had a word and now we have home and away kits, balls and bibs so it’s great progress for us.
“It was a hard task getting everything started and we were told we couldn’t join the league at first and would have to join another club, but I persevered until they could not refuse us.”
The club hope to play their first match later this month with fixtures being announced soon.
Most of the team are from Fairview Primary School, Wigmore, hence the name of the club.

If you would like to join the club pop along to a training session on Sundays behind Bredhurst village hall, Hurstwood Road, between 9-11am. Once the season starts the team will train on Wednesday evenings.

Call Mr Hawkins for more details on 07973 189633.