QPR S Football in the Community Trust have launched a new initiative in an effort to join forces with a number of local junior clubs. Club Partnership is a grass roots programme designed to help and support youth teams through professional coaching, fun

QPR'S Football in the Community Trust have launched a new initiative in an effort to join forces with a number of local junior clubs.

'Club Partnership' is a grass roots programme designed to help and support youth teams through professional coaching, fundraising opportunities and community support.

Community Trust staff will provide partner clubs with professional coaching, tailored to any specific needs, and there is also the opportunity to run exclusive QPR Soccer Schools.

The link with QPR will help clubs to raise funds via ticket sales to Hoops matches, while the Rs are also committed to providing a first team player for one event per club each year.

QPR captain Martin Rowlands said: "It's so important that as a club we value the importance of grass roots football, and this scheme can play a big part in helping to develop players and fans of the future.

"QPR has always been a family club and the initiative will enable youngsters in their droves to get down and attend games at Loftus Road next season.

"There's nothing better than when the ground is buzzing and if all goes to plan, we'll give everyone something to shout about come next year."

Earlier this month, Rowlands formally welcomed NPL Youth FC - an FA Charter Club from Teddington with teams from under-sevens up to under-16s -as the first to join the scheme.

Nine other clubs have joined the scheme to date, including Kensington Dragons, Pinner JFC, Greenford Celtic and North Greenford United.

Rangers are keen to take the number of partner clubs to 20 by the start of next season and Andy Evans, the Community Trust chief executive, added: "All football clubs, professional and grass roots, are much more than just places to play football.

"It is a place where families and the local community come together. We hope that all Club Partnership members feel a sense of pride and belonging to the QPR family."

Clubs who are interested should contact Matthew Webb on 020 8740 2504, or email mattheww@qpr.co.uk for details.