A youth football club in Nitshill is offering affordable sessions to more than 200 kids in the local area.  

Whitacres Wolves started in 2016, and it is now a registered charity helping kids, parents and the local community. 

Maurice Coyne, coach and chairman at the club, quickly noticed the needs of people in or around the club whilst taking training sessions. 

He said: “The area is deprived, I don’t really like using that word but there is lots of people that don’t have the money. 

“We thought we’re able to help, so let’s help. We give kids a place to play football at a low price or we cover the bills for some of the parents that can’t afford it."

(Image: Supplied)

Local fish and chip shop, Remo’s, has also helped the club keep prices down by offering sponsorship for the 2009 team’s kits. 

Maurice said: “Things like strips are a big expense for a team so to get a local company to help pay for them is a godsend.

 “The only other option would be parents having to pay for them which can be quite a lot of money.”

He added: “Remo’s is one of the longest serving businesses in Nitshill, it’s been open since the 1940s, so this is community helping community, that’s the kind of thing we’ve built here.”

Players from the 2009 team model the new kit inside Remo's Players from the 2009 team model the new kit inside Remo's (Image: Supplied)

The club has also spent time reaching out to the community through helping foodbanks and raising money for men’s health.

Maurice is hoping to further expand the help they give by incorporating free meals into their Friday night football sessions. 

He said: “These are the kinds of things we’re trying to do so if people are struggling their kids aren’t missing out on their football or food. 

“Parents and the wider community are really supportive of us, they see us as a key part of the area and recognise that if we weren’t here, it’d leave a big hole.”

(Image: Supplied)

Maurice thinks football is the perfect place for community support to begin. 

He added: “Football is a great connection for people even away from playing or supporting a team, it’s a talking point and can be a connection for people.

“We try speak to the kids about why we’re doing this work in the community and teach them about it as an extension of teamwork we’re not just showing them how to play football.”