Sports-mad Irvine youngsters will be on the ball as soon as the next season thanks to a cash boost from a leading housebuilder.

Irvine Meadow Football and Community Club has been selected as one of Persimmon Homes West Scotland’s Community Champions, receiving £1,000 as the latest winner of the community funding.

Stuart Hall at the club applied for the funding in the hope that local support from businesses would help boost the funds required to create a specialist first aid area.

It will come complete with a defibrillator in readiness for the lifting of restrictions.

Stuart said: “We can’t thank Persimmon enough for its support. The money will make a huge difference to us taking us one step closer to reaching our target to raise £8,000 to install our first aid area.

“Most of the work so far has been done by volunteers and local businesses free of charge over last couple of months and we are all looking forward to getting back to playing football as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“The addition of a defibrillator that can be used by the teams and the community has the potential to save lives and we are delighted that this funding has made this a reality.”

Chris Logan, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support Irvine Meadows Community FC through our Community Champions initiative. Any football club is a big part of the community and it is fantastic to see a community club invest in first aid facilities for the players and wider community.

To apply for funding, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity