JUNIOR footballers can kick-start their soccer career by becoming young supporters of Rossendale United - for just £1.

The club has introduced the new membership scheme to encourage more youngsters in the Valley to go along to the Dark Lane ground, in Newchurch, and see their local side play and, who knows, they too could be the strikers of the future for the team.

Committee member Steve Hobson, said: "We want to be seen as a community football club and want every child in the Valley aged under 11 who plays football to become a junior supporter.

"The membership card will have a passport-size photograph of the child and entitle them to free entry into Rossendale United first team and reserve home league matches.

"We will also be hoping to build towards having children's entertainers and, once the social club is refurbished, hold events for the junior members.

"We want the junior members to be a part of the club from a young age and, if they are good enough, maybe join the team and even use Rossendale United as a platform to allow them to go on to other clubs."

The club is holding a special membership morning tomorrow from 9am to 11am, when youngsters and their parents are invited to find out more about the supporters club.

Membership application forms are available from the club or the Tourist Information Office, Kay Street, Rawtenstall.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.