Football for youngsters in Oxfordshire has a new sponsor - your very own Oxford Mail.

The county's only daily newspaper has signed a three-year deal with the Oxford Boys' League to back the fantastic set-up that gives youngsters aged from seven to 16 the chance to play competitive football every week of the season.

The league has been sponsored for several years by the B-Line business centre, at Bletchingdon, and its chief executive Dave Beesley promised he would still be supporting the league, though not as the official sponsor.

About 3,000 youngsters including a number of girls are involved in the league across more than 70 clubs and players are selected from the 300 teams to represent the county further afield.

The Oxford Mail deal will see county sides kitted out with new strips, as well as developing the league's website and increasing coverage in the paper.

Publishing manager Tom Mitchell said: "We are absolutely thrilled to get involved with such a flourishing organisation as the boys' league.

"We know we have a vital role to play in the community, and what better way to show our commitment than by sponsoring this kind of grassroots activity?

League chairman Alan Wilkins welcomed the new deal, saying: "As a result of this agreement, the clubs, teams and players in the league will be given greater exposure.

"And with the paper's help and expertise, we will be able to enhance the current website operation to update the information shown even quicker." He paid tribute to Dave Beesley of B-Lin, adding: "Dave will remain an active supporter of the boys' league."