TWO new junior rugby league teams have kicked off in Chester thanks to support from a company.

Chester Gladiators RLFC, based at Cheshire County Sports Club, received £750 to kit out the players after successfully applying to a community fund linked to new homes being built by Redrow at Kings Moat Garden Village.

Club chairman Paul Foster said: “We are a community rugby league club run by a team of volunteers with teams for seniors, masters and juniors. We wanted to establish two new junior teams, attract new junior members and recruit and train two new volunteer coaches and so applied to Redrow for financial support.

“With Redrow’s help we’re able to provide local children with the opportunity to play the sport of rugby league. This has physical health benefits and can help improve mental wellbeing as well as developing confidence, teamwork, respect and skills. The children will represent Chester across the north west wearing the Redrow sponsored kits and have a sense of achievement and community pride.”

Chester Gladiators were among 10 organisations to receive a share of a £10,000 voluntary community fund offered by Redrow to good causes near its Kings Moat Garden Village of family homes and green spaces, off Wrexham Road, Chester.

Redrow area sales manager Caroline Thompson-Jones said: “The challenges of the pandemic have really brought the importance of health and wellbeing to the fore and it’s great to see clubs like Chester Gladiators expanding their offering to younger players. The new kits look fantastic and we hope they bring the players lots of luck.

“Along with new homes, Kings Moat Garden Village will offer a range of community facilities including its own sports pitches, enabling residents to stay fit and active close to home.”