Fulford Juniors FC, who looked like folding in the summer when the organising committee retired, are now on the up.

They have bounced back in style after an open meeting with parents who decided to take an active part in the running of the club and coaching the players.

Fulford operate ten teams ranging from Under 7 to Under 16 level and have just netted sponsorship from two of York's leading companies.

Persimmon Homes and Langleys Solicitors are jointly backing the club by providing a complete set of kit for the club's 200 young players.

Both have pumped in a four-figure sum to provide the strips which were handed over at a recent training session at Lord Deramore's School, Heslington.

Chairman Gavin Tate said: "We are enormously grateful to Persimmon and Langleys for their generosity."

York RI are hoping to revitalised their junior football section in similar fashion.

They are holding their first training session for Under 9s at the New Lane ground on Saturday, February 9, between 11 and noon.

The club hope that enough youngsters turn up for registration to enter a side in next season's new York Mitchell Mini-seven-a-side League.

The club's junior football chairman Malcolm Todd said that a new £500 sponsorship from Halifax plc had given the youngsters a big lift.

To register players must be aged 7 or 8 on August 1 this year. For further details contact manager Ian Cook on 01904 337497.

Saturday also sees the resumption of the City of York Girls Football League.

It kicked off last September and the number of girls now taking part has almost doubled.

"If the numbers continue to grow we can expand the league considerably next season," said league secretary Chris Hanks.

This Saturday's key games see Wigginton Grasshoppers 'A' play Under 12 leaders New Earswick, while York Tigers play Grasshoppers 'B'.

Poppleton line up against Heworth in both Under 12 and Under 16 age groups.

For further information about joining the girls league contact Chris hanks on 01904 738553 or visit the league's website at www.local-league.com/yorkgirlsleague

Updated: 12:35 Thursday, February 07, 2002