MEMBERS of a local football team are delighted to have kicked off a brand-new partnership with Ardgowan Hospice.

Ardgowan Thistle players will have the much-loved Greenock charity’s new logo on the front of their strips as they take to the field this season.

The new collaboration is a revival of a years-long partnership that existed between the hospice and Ardgowan Thistle’s predecessor club, Ardgowan Football Development (AFD).

As part of the new launch, the club has kindly given the hospice a £500 donation, which was raised through various fundraising drives.

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Club chairman Andrew Mitchell told the Tele he was delighted to work alongside the hospice once more.

Andrew said: “Before AFD folded, they had a partnership with the hospice.

“One of the coaches, a guy named Keith Jackson, used the hospice a number of years ago and has now sadly passed away.

“We started this new club Ardgowan Thistle and we didn’t really have much in the way of resources or development, so we started again from the ground up.

“I became the chairman at the start of last year and what we wanted to do was make a very sustainable club that’s not just a football club but something that gives to the community as well.

“I realised at the start of this year that the hospice was previously affiliated with the club and I really wanted to get that back.

“We want the kids to understand what the hospice does and what they give to the community and to wear the shirt with pride.

“When they put it on I want them to really appreciate what they’re doing for the club and what they’re doing for the community.

“We want to bring success to the club and to the hospice and to be able to give to them on a yearly basis. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to do this.”

In addition to their new partnership with the hospice, the club has also revived its Keith Jackson memorial trophy, which will be presented each season to a player who has show outstanding club spirit and values.

Joanna Hunter, fundraising manager for Ardgowan Hospice, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnered up with Ardgowan Thistle again.

“Their values really match ours and they obviously have a great sense of pride in the community and want to teach these young kids that the club’s about more than just football.

“They’ve got a great ethos and we’re glad to be on board.”