Forty-five youngsters took part in training sessions coached by Leicester City trainers and then played in a knock-out competition in an event sponsored by Walkers working with the My Shop is Your Shop (MSYS) campaign.

The team entered by Santokh Bath, a Bestway supplied retailer, who owns the Knighton Self Service Station, Welford Road, Leicester, were the winners. Santokh team member Inderdeep Singh Bal, aged 12, emerged as the Player of the Tournament impressing the coaches with his speed, work-rate and ball skills.

Santokh commented: "This scheme is building the profile of my store, helping kids to become involved in sport and it is very popular with parents. It is giving Leicester City a new promotional outlet for their marketing so we are all winners. Our win on Saturday is already the talk of the town round here."

He added: "This is the way to change youngsters' negative attitudes to small shops. They will see us as their friends - not someone to hassle."

Raj Aggarwal, Londis retailer at Queens Drive, Wigston, chairman of the Leicester group of retailers involved in the campaign, said: "This was the second event for youngsters in our programme with Leicester City and it was a great success.

"Small shops are the focal point of their community. By linking up with the Foxes we are showing our support for our community by giving our local youngsters access to high quality professional coaching at their big local club.

"This activity encourages youngsters to see the benefits of being involved in sport - parents love it as a motivator and an antidote to aimless hanging around."

Graham Chambers and partner Sue were there to watch sons Jac, 11, and Elliott, 10, put through their paces by the LCFC coaches and play in the knock out.

Graham said: "This is a great idea and thanks to those who created it and sponsor it. We support local shops and our sons will learn about their value and about the idea of community from this activity."

Retailers also entering teams were: Mahomed Sacranie, Filbert Grocers, Filbert Street, Leicester; Bharat Vasani, Aylestone Road Post Office, Leicester; and Jag Kooner, Glenfield Londis, Elmtree Avenue, Leicester.

MSYS chairman Alan Toft said: "This is a unique focus on small shops giving them a link into big time soccer. It is irresistible to youngsters - our customers of tomorrow - and to parents who have community values.

"It encourages respect for the community in addition to all the benefits which children achieve from involvement in sport. The local independent is uniquely placed to become the promoter of the link with the big local club and it will give his business a higher local profile," said Toft.

He took part in the prize presentations together with Mr Filbert, the Leicester City mascot.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend