A SWINDON restaurant franchise is hoping to sponsor a youth football team in the town.

Paul Booth, who owns and operates all the McDonald's restaurants in Swindon, has sponsored teams for the past three years.

The deal would provide football strips and training kit for the lucky squad.

Paul, pictured right, said: "I'm very keen to give something back to the community and help Swindon teams obtain the equipment they need.

"Football is Britain's national game and it plays a vital role in encouraging children to get the exercise they need, as well as learning team-building skills and making friends.

"I'm proud to have helped a number of local teams over the past three years.

"I'm looking forward to hearing from any other teams in the area which feel they could benefit from sponsorship."

In previous years, Paul has sponsored Highworth Juniors, Greenmeadow Youth and the Swindon Macs. McDonald's franchises across the country take part in grass roots football schemes, investing some £4.5m.

Across the country, the company has trained 11,825 volunteer coaches since 2002 and provided 190,000 new footballs.

The McDonald's program is lead by Sir Geoff Hurst, the company's director of football.

Teams that have, or are working towards, FA Chartered Club Standard, should contact Paul at paul.booth@uk.mcd.com.

Chartered clubs must have a written constitution, a commitment to providing football opportunities to under-10s, school liaison and equal opportunities.