BUDDING sporting stars have received a boost from council chiefs keen to ensure Warrington's future as a town of talent.

Borough leaders have pledged to invest over £18,000 in town teams for football, hockey, netball and rugby league.

Additional funding for athletics and cricket teams will be looked at next year.

Clr Mike Hannon, chairman of the Community Services Committee, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for many young people in the town to achieve their ultimate goals in sport.

"Previously some of our aspiring youngsters have been poached by other clubs outside Warrington. Hopefully this initiative will encourage them to stay with the town.

"It is part of our continuing youth policy to provide support and direction. If youngsters become involved in town teams it helps stop them being bored."

The cash injection comes after a steady decline of youth sport in the town in recent years. At one point there was only one girls athletic team and three boys rugby league teams.

A working party of councillors, officers, sports teachers and coaches looked at the problems faced by sporting youngsters and identified a cash crisis as the key issue. The money will be used for new kits, coaching and transport.

"Hopefully town teams will continue to grow until we can incorporate all sports," said Clr Hannon.

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