St Albans City Youth Football Club have received financial support to help run their successful community programme.

They were given a cheque for £40,000 from the National League Trust at their presentation day.

The cheque was presented to City Youth trustees’ Geoff Watts and Lawrence Levy by Lord Tom McNally and England C manager Paul Fairclough on behalf of the National League.

Later Annie Brewster, portfolio holder for sport and leisure at St Albans District Council showed her support by re-presenting the cheque to the two trustees.

Outgoing City Youth chair of trustees Mervyn Morgan said: “These grants are available due to St Albans City being in the football pyramid.

“If they can climb up the league system then the level of grants available for community work will also increase.

“This is another reason why the St Albans City Stadium project should be supported; the benefits are there for all to see.”