PARENTS and coaches of the newly-formed Puma FC Juniors have taken on some of its senior section players in a fundraising play-off.

The parents and coaches managed to clinch a win of 5-4 as they battled it out to raise more than £100 to cover the costs of entering the under-nines and under-11s into the Gloucestershire Youth League.

Man of the match, Alan Stephens, for the parents, capped off a good weekend for his family after his two sons, Joseph aged nine, and Samuel aged six, won player of the week certificates in their sections.

Since Lee Jenkins founded the junior section at the club last year, he has had a fantastic response as more children from across the Forest get involved in football. At present, Lee and his team coach boys and girls, aged five to 11, on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings at the Forest E-Act Academy in Cinderford.

They are now keen to recruit more players, especially in the under-nines and -11s section, as they play more competitive games. There is also a desperate need for a goal keeper for the under-11s team.

Lee said: "Puma Football Club has always had an ethos of trying to give as many players as possible a chance to play football. Ability isn't the be all and end all for the club. Our juniors section is partly to try and get children off of their games consoles and introduce them to football in a fun and safe environment, giving them the opportunity to meet new friends. Playing a sport like football teaches young people discipline and how to be part of a team. The club plans to make it into an annual fundraising event for the juniors."

The first coaching session is free and £1 for every session after that. Fees for the games throughout the season will be £1 per match.

Anyone interested in attending a session can contact Lee Jenkins on 07919207328.