Co-op backs Juniors in AC Milan venture

Three Co-op stores in Alnwick have joined forces to raise funds for young footballing hopefuls at Alnwick Town Football Club as the club prepares to welcome officials from AC Milan to Northumberland.

The stores on Victoria Road, Bondgate and at Alnwick petrol station hosted a series of raffles and tombolas to raise more than £600 for the team, which has splashed out on new Co-op branded kits, bibs, balls and other soccer equipment.

The hotly anticipated AC Milan Summer School kicks-off on July 25 and will see soccer-mad youngsters aged between six and 15 learn from some of the beautiful game’s best coaches.

Paul Davison, secretary of Alnwick Town Juniors, said: “The whole team is buzzing with excitement about the AC Milan Summer School and naturally, the players want to look their best on and off the pitch.

“We’re incredibly grateful to staff at all of the Co-op stores who have gone out of their way to raise funds for the club – it’s given us an enormous boost ahead of this important visit and sets the scene for a summer of footballing fun.”

Lisa McMorn, manager at Co-op’s Victoria Road store, added: “As a community retailer we’re passionate about supporting local causes.

“When we heard that coaches from AC Milan were coming to Alnwick to scout out the footballing stars of tomorrow we wanted to make sure that the team were prepared.

“The new kit looks very smart indeed and we hope it gives the boys that extra spring in their step on the pitch.”