A WHARFE Valley estate agent has kicked off a new sponsorship deal that it hopes will encourage more girls to take up football.

Linley & Simpson, based at Station Road, Horsforth, has become the new team sponsor of Horsforth St Margaret’s Under-13s girls’ squad.

The agency, which specialises in both residential sales and lettings, has been at the heart of the Horsforth community for 18 years.

“When we first opened our doors, we started with just two offices – Horsforth and Roundhay – and employed four staff,” said Will Linley, director.

“Now we operate a network of 11 branches with more than 150 staff.

“Horsforth has played a key role in our growth and this new sponsorship deal is the latest example of our commitment to support the local community whenever we can.

“Thanks to the Women’s World Cup, the sport is now one of the fastest-growing on the globe and we welcome this opportunity to promote its popularity locally, and provide a springboard for potential women football stars of tomorrow.

“Thanks to its schools and transport links – soon to be enhanced with the opening of a new railway station at Kirkstall – the area goes from strength-to-strength as a place to live, especially amongst current football and other sporting stars.”

The sponsorship deal got off to a good start, with St Margaret’s Under-13s girls team sharing the spoils in a six-goal thriller against Marsden.