Fawley (February 2, 2006) -- A team of young footballers are looking the part, off the pitch as well as on, thanks to a generous grant from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley, allowing them to buy weather-proof jackets.

The Waterside Wanderers Football Club for under 12-year-olds has been given a new boost by the donation.

The £750 grant has been donated under a special scheme designed to recognise the efforts of ExxonMobil employees and their families who contribute their time, talent and energy to schools, charities and non-profit making organisations. The scheme not only helps local organisations, but also improves the links between ExxonMobil and the local community.

The Waterside Wanderers Football Club is based at the QEII Recreation Ground at Blackfield in Thornbury Avenue, where they play their home games on a Sunday afternoon. The money has also been spent on training equipment such as balls and cones.

Shift leader in chemical processing at Esso and also recipient of the grant for the club, Mitch Caws, said: “The club prides itself in keeping sign-on fees low so that the maximum number of children can participate, without worrying about the cost. But as a result, we are constantly fundraising to make ends meet so a grant of this sort is an absolute godsend.

“The youngsters wear these new jackets with pride. Looking the part definitely gives them the extra confidence they need to succeed against a range of other clubs. As well as that, the jackets keep them warm and dry while they are waiting to go on the field.”

The ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme has so far contributed more than £100,000 to local community projects since it was started three years ago.