YOUNG rugby players at Berry Hill RFC have received new playing kits thanks to support from the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean.

The community rugby club, which provides opportunities for children across the Forest of Dean, approached the organisation seeking financial assistance to replace outdated and mismatched shirts worn by its junior teams.

Berry Hill's junior section currently supports more than 80 boys and girls aged between six and 13, with five teams representing the club across different age groups.

However, growing membership had created difficulties ensuring every youngster had a suitable shirt to wear when representing their team.

Junior section chairman Ben Lewis contacted the Rotary club to explain the situation and outline the importance of providing children with matching playing equipment.

He highlighted the club's commitment to ensuring youngsters from all backgrounds could participate in rugby and feel part of their team.

The proposed project involved purchasing five complete sets of playing shirts, benefiting approximately 80 young players.

Members of the Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean recognised the value of the initiative and agreed to provide funding towards the new equipment.

The donation enabled the club to purchase the shirts, helping strengthen its junior rugby provision and ensuring young players could represent Berry Hill with pride.

A photograph celebrating the project showed enthusiastic junior players wearing their new kits alongside Rotarian John Belcher.

The initiative demonstrated the importance of cooperation between local voluntary organisations and grassroots sports clubs in supporting opportunities for young people.

Berry Hill has established itself as a community rugby club with a longstanding commitment to encouraging participation across different age groups.

Its junior section plays an important role in introducing children to the sport, helping them develop confidence, teamwork and friendships through regular training and matches.

The new playing shirts will now be used by the club's junior teams.