A YOUTH football club is continuing with its charity efforts by staging a food collection for The Gate this festive season.

The Wasps 2009s community club organised a Bring a Toy to Training event for the Wee County Children's Christmas Shop over the last two years.

However, this year, instead of toys, the boys are keen to show their support for The Gate food bank and are asking members of the public to join the cause.

Brian Williams, community coach, told the Advertiser: "It's the same idea as the toy donation night; we always try to do something each year to help others out.

"Unfortunately, this year we weren't really able to do the Christmas shop. It was proving to be a lot of work for the girls and our kids are getting a wee bit older now so don't really have that many toys.

"But we thought, with 30 kids and their parents, we could still do something for the community, so we reached out to The Gate."

The club's previous efforts proved successful, with car loads of toys being taken off from training to be donated to the Christmas shop in time for the big day.

And while the youngsters take great pride in their charitable efforts, coach Brian insists they are happy to give a little back to those who have shown them so much support.

He said: "We've asked a lot for the community, whether through tokens at the supermarkets or through sponsorship, and they've been really good to us.

"So, the very least we can do is, a few times a year, give something back.

"Everyone knows the good work that The Gate does and how important the foodbank is, especially at this time of year.

"In our group, there are kids from all backgrounds. And we like to try teach them, not just about football, but about values too. So, there is a bit of an added lesson in there.

"If we can clear it with The Gate, we'd like to get maybe a few of the boys over there at some point to lend a wee hand too."

The club will hold their food bank collection on Monday, December 17, but those wishing to back their plan can donate before then.

Anyone wishing to do so can make arrangements to donate by contacting the club through their Twitter page @Wasps2009 or head along to one of their training sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6-7pm, up until the 17th.