A GROUP that provides vital sporting opportunities for people in York has teamed up with a major city business for a third year running.

York City Football Club Foundation which provides sport and physical activities for people of all ages across the city has joined forces with York based national housebuilder Persimmon in a formal partnership for a third season.

Representatives from Persimmon were at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday to mark the agreement as the Minstermen went top of the league with a 3-nil win over AFC Fylde.


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The support provided by Persimmon will once again underpin the Foundation’s City Kick About sessions and the Community Tickets programme which gives local young people the chance to watch York City for free at designated fixtures.

This year’s agreement will see Persimmon cover the cost of 10 foundation fixtures with the first being Saturday’s thumping victory over AFC Fylde.

Last season almost 3,000 young City fans took up the chance to watch City for free with another 9 such chances still to come this season.

Led by the Foundation’s FA qualified coaches, City Kick About sessions meanwhile run at 2 venues across York two evenings a week, 48 weeks of the year and give all 8-17 year olds access to play football for just £1.

Fans watching York against Fylde at the weekendFans watching York against Fylde at the weekend (Image: Persimmon)

Paula Stainton, YCFC Foundation manager, said: “Thanks to the support we received last year, we’ve enabled so many young people to both watch football as well as take part in over 150 hours of positive community based physical activity sessions.

“We can’t thank Persimmon enough for their ongoing support, without which we would not be able to offer these impactful initiatives.

“It’s been great establishing the relationship with Persimmon and we are looking forward to building the partnership long term.”

Scott Waters, managing director for Persimmon Homes Yorkshire said: “We’re delighted to be renewing our partnership once again with the York City FC Foundation.

“As a York company it’s particularly rewarding for us to be able to support the invaluable work the York City FC Foundation undertakes in our home city.”

Paula Stainton from the York City Foundation with represenatives from PersimmonPaula Stainton from the York City Foundation with represenatives from Persimmon (Image: Persimmon)