Fawley (8 February 2007) -- A teenage football team in West Totton is celebrating its best season ever in style with new winter jackets to keep them warm on the touchline.

The West Totton Wanderers Football Club under 14s team is buying the new jackets and some coaching equipment thanks to a donation of £500 from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley.

The 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.

There are two successful applicants involved in the team, Richard Ebbs, an instrument technician and Jim Green, a control technician.

Richard said: “Receiving this grant means that we are able to keep subs at a reasonable level, whilst encouraging local lads to join up, have fun and get fit. I think this is an excellent scheme, which the company provides to support local community initiatives."

Jim commented that: “West Totton Wanderers was set up six years ago, and has always tried to ensure that every player gets a game and is not regularly substituted.”

The under 14s team is currently enjoying its best season ever at the top of the Southampton Tyro League, Division 5. Matches are played at Eling Recreation Ground in Totton and the team trains during the winter at Redbridge Community School on all weather pitches.

The ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme at Fawley, together with its sister scheme for school governors, has so far contributed some £300,000 to local community projects since it was started four years ago.