IT is exciting times ahead for Downton football club as the club have now reached charter status and with all the youth teams on board the club is certainly going in the right direction.

Carl Chambers who owns In Excess he could clearly see things were happening and that we are moving forward and he has very kindly offered to sponsor all seven football kits which has been a huge boost to everyone involved at the club.

This will include the first team, as well as Development side (who play in the Wyvern Combination), under-18 boys (Wiltshire Floodlit League), under-15 girls (Hampshire Girls Youth league), under-14 boys (Testway League), under-12 boys (Testway League) and under-12 boys (Southampton development league)

This has meant the club can now work on other areas and enhance all the facilities for all the youth sides coming through our system.

Chairman Mark Smith said: "We had a busy Summer, lots of work and investment on and off the pitch, getting new youth teams set up and continuing to work hard towards our 2021 vision of 10 teams and ladies football for the club.

"I’m delighted to present our new kit sponsor, In Excess. Carl and his team have been extremely generous, with their logo emblazoned across every kit in the club. Dave at Maniflow continues his welcome support, with the tracksuits bearing their branding.

"We also welcome a number of new sponsors in the programme and around the ground. Your ongoing support is

critical to our club and it’s highly appreciated."

Looking ahead to the forthcoming season Downton manager Ben Smith said: "This season we will be looking to better our position from last year.

"We have some exciting new players along with our new coach Rich Rendell so we are building steadily. It’s a tough league this year with lots of clubs investing in the promotion race so every game will be a real challenge and points won’t be easy.

"I will still look to strengthen the squad as we go along .Looking back on last season it was hard to field the same side week in week out so we need a big squad with quality in depth.

"But I’ve no doubt Development Managers Fran & Chris will be providing me with some of their upcoming talent & from what I’ve seen already it won’t be long before one or two are ready for first team football.

"On and off the pitch things are looking positive with seven teams and some fantastic new sponsors all doing there bit. We have some cracking young talented players within the club and securing the Girls side this season is brilliant for everyone. So hopefully within the club we will have a successful season and most of all is everyone enjoys it."