FOOTBALLERS at a school in the process of changing its name now have a new strip thanks to local distribution centre Howard Tenens.

From September, Holy Rood Catholic Junior School in Upham Road will welcome 30 new children in a reception class as part of plans to expand onto a site at St Joseph’s Catholic College.

The new school will be known as Holy Cross Primary School, and it is expected it will be fully in place by September 2015.

In the meantime, pupils and staff at the school have been preparing for the expansion with a special on-site extension for the new class, securing its first minibus and now providing the football team with a new kit.

Patrick, from Elm Class, was one of the youngsters impressed with the new kit.

He said: “This kit is a big improvement on our previous kits, it fits better and you can feel the quality.

Nigel, also in Elm Class, said: “Holy Rood won the South League title this season and we hope that this kit brings us lots of good luck, success and trophies in the years to come.”

Headteacher Tony McAteer said: “We are grateful to Howard Tenens for their generous sponsorship.

“The team competes in the local Swindon schools’ league and in various tournaments so the Howard Tenens logo will be seen by many parents and by the Swindon community.

“These are exciting times for the school as it expands into an all-through primary from September.

“We are delighted to have forged this link with a prominent company that has a major presence in the Swindon area.”

Thanks to the logistics company Holy Rood now have a full squad of kit for 14 outfielders and two goalkeepers.

Paul Tandy, general manager at Howard Tenens in Swindon, said: “We are pleased to be able to give something back to the local community in this way and hope to maintain and further develop this excellent link with the school.

“The link developed following a chance meeting with the school’s business manager and, at the end of last year, 16 Year 6 pupils visited the Swindon site.”