THE North Wilts Youth League's cup finals weekend will return to the County Ground at the end of the season under a new partnership between the league and Swindon Town.

The league, which regularly sees up to 5000 youngsters playing and features more than 70 clubs, will strengthen its ties with the League One club, including match day initiatives at Town matches.

North Wilts League chairman Andy Ratcliffe said: “The success of this league is built on the goodwill and support of its clubs and together they have over 5,000 young footballers playing football every weekend across all age groups.

“Throughout our 13-year history there has never been an official collaboration or partnership with Swindon Town – until now and our committee couldn’t be more delighted.

"We’ve been talking to the club’s commercial manager Adam Wainwright about this for some time now, and together we’ve managed to come up with a really meaningful partnership which will reap rewards for both parties.”

League Cup secretary Darren Howell added: “From the league’s perspective we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner Swindon Town Football Club.

"This isn’t just about playing our finals on the County Ground pitch, though.

"Whilst I’m sure that players and managers alike will relish the opportunity to play a cup final match there, we’re also going to be promoting initiatives such as Pro Red, which gives our clubs and players an opportunity to get discounted STFC match tickets, club shop merchandise and will provide access to first-team squad players at certain times during the season.

“There will also be match-day opportunities where NWYFL players could play on the pitch at half time on a Football League match day, do pitch-side club parades and participate in events such as penalty shoot-outs – as well as getting to watch matches with their friends and fellow players.''