BUDDING footballers will have the name of a local charity on their shirt for the next two years.

Haddington Athletic Community Football Club have formed a partnership with Lamp of Lothian which will see the good cause sponsor the club’s girls’ section.

The deal will see Lamp of Lothian’s logo emblazoned across the training kit of more than 85 youth players plus their coaches, spanning every age group from under-eight to under-16.

They will also become the match kit shirt sponsor for the under-14s.

As part of the agreement, the charity will support the club’s end-of-season ‘Haddy Social’ while the Lamp will also have use of Haddington Athletic’s clubhouse at Whittingehame Drive for events.

East Lothian Courier: Haddington Athletic Community Football Club and Lamp of Lothian have struck up a new partnership. Image, from left: Colin Bowsher, Eve Mercer (U-14), Jenny Harper (from Lamp of Lothian), Amy Diggins (U-12), Jane Haydock. Image: Iain MercerHaddington Athletic Community Football Club and Lamp of Lothian have struck up a new partnership. Image, from left: Colin Bowsher, Eve Mercer (U-14), Jenny Harper (from Lamp of Lothian), Amy Diggins (U-12), Jane Haydock. Image: Iain Mercer

Colin Bowsher, youth section chairman, said: “The girls’ section has expanded massively in the last 18 months, so we are very grateful to the Lamp of Lothian for supporting the club as we strive to make Haddington the best club in East Lothian for youth football.”

Lamp of Lothian was founded in 1967 by the late Elizabeth, Duchess of Hamilton to support a wide range of cultural, artistic and social activities from its collection of listed buildings at Poldrate Mill in Haddington.

Jenny Harper, Lamp of Lothian chairman, said: “It was a unanimous decision from our trustees to support Haddington Athletic in the great work they’re doing to empower and coach young footballers.

"Improving health and wellbeing and learning new skills are just some of Lamp’s core values, so we are looking forward to seeing these girls progress and develop as young ladies and athletes.”