Young footballers can now kick their old equipment into touch thanks to the Argus Appeal.

Coaches at Hove YMCA had been forced to train youngsters with equipment that was years old.

The charity, which teaches children aged ten to 16 at Wish Road, Hove, was in desperate need of new footballs, training bibs and cones.

Coach Tony Kybett put in a bid to the appeal's trustees, who rule over hundreds of applications for donations.

He was delighted when £250 had been awarded by the appeal, which is supported by Legal and General.

Mr Kybett, who is also commercial manager of the Sussex County Football Association, said he welcomed the help.

He added: "There has been a lack of equipment at the YMCA for some time so donations from organisations like the Argus are always welcome."

Luke Terrill, youth sports co-ordinator for Hove YMCA, said: "The kids pay their subs each week but the money doesn't really stretch to buying kits and other equipment.

"Being a charitable organisation, Hove YMCA doesn't have a large budget for sport.

"That's why the money we have received from the Argus is so useful."

However, the good news failed to spur the under-12 team to victory.

They lost 2-1 in their first game of the season on Saturday against Kingston Village under-12s.

But the appeal is going from strength to strength this year.

Almost £30,000 have been raised in just one night at a glittering launch party at the Grand Hotel in Brighton at the weekend.

Added to money raised during the evening were donations from the Revenge nightclub and the Brighton Centre.

These took the total to £34,000 collected in the first week.

The figure dwarfs the amount raised at last year's party by about £27,000.

Celebrities at the event included actors Joe McGann, Bert Kwouk and Dora Bryan.