A YOUNG Herefordshire rugby squad in Ledbury is gearing up for a promising season, thanks to an injection of funding from Tesco's Bags of Help initiative, which has allowed them to update training equipment.

Ledbury Rugby Football Club was awarded over £2,500 through Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative and used the grant to replace old and worn training gear for the junior division of the club, aged from six (Newbees) to sixteen (Colts).

Keith Jackson, Tesco Bags of Help Manager, said: "The money raised from the sale of carrier bags is being used to fund thousands of local projects in communities right across the UK, all voted on by customers in store.

"Ledbury RFC has used the grant to refresh the club with brand new state-of-the-art equipment, benefitting more than 300 members of the club, hoping to inspire the next generation of local rugby stars."

The club has bought new rucking shields, tackle bags, training clothes for the Under 12’s, resistance bands, match balls and a number of slalom poles.

Mr Jackson added: "This is a fantastic club for the local community to support and we are excited to see how the donation will help the players with their future playing careers.

“We are looking for any groups or charities who will put the funding to good use in their own communities and which local residents will be able to benefit from in years to come.”

Katie Bott, parent and Under 8's Squad Manager at the Ledbury Rugby Football Club was thrilled with the grant donation and said: “Without a doubt, we have a number of budding stars among our teams and the new equipment has already helped them to improve, ready for the season ahead.

“The club is completely self-funded and relies entirely on training fees to support it. If any of the squads require new equipment or kits, it is usually up to the team to fundraise or the parents have to chip in to buy it themselves.

She added: "The funding from Tesco has meant we haven’t had to ask players and supporters to fund the training kit themselves and we can provide these youngsters with all the tools they need to develop as great rugby players.”