An Oldbury football academy's under eight's have received financial backing from a national housebuilder.

The Starz Academy Football Club's team now has the support of Lovell Homes as they start the 2024/2025 season.

The housebuilder has said that the funding will go towards ensuring the young players will be fully equipped for the new season.

Lovell's logo will be on their away shirts.

The team is set to participate in the Stourbridge and District Youth Football League.

Lovell is the developer behind The Junction, in Oldbury, a site that offers a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Lee O’Malley, coach at the academy, said: "Having the support of such a prominent business as Lovell is a huge boost to the team.

"Not only are we now able to provide them with new away kits for the upcoming season so they can look and feel their best, but we’re able to offer the right equipment and improve experiences throughout the season thanks to the funds."

Starz Academy has grown since its launch in 2019, boasting 29 youth teams competing in both Saturday and Sunday league football.

The academy places emphasis on nurturing an inclusive and enjoyable environment for young players.

Lisa Preston, regional sales director for the housebuilder in the West Midlands, said: "We’ve been working in Oldbury for some time at The Junction site and the local community has been fantastic.

"We’re always eager to do our bit to enhance the areas in which we build and ensure we leave a lasting legacy for our residents and those in the wider area.

"We’re looking forward to watching the under eights at Starz Academy take to the pitch and cheer them on for the new season."