Pictured above: Great Barr Harriers U13 team with Simon James, sales director for Hive (far left) and Gary Cramp of McLaren Construction (far right)

Local football club Great Barr Harriers has received a kick start to 2011 thanks to the support of Nikal and McLaren Construction.

Both the property developer and construction contractors behind Hive, the latest residential development at Masshouse in Birmingham city centre, have donated training equipment and sportswear to the club, in support of its commitment to providing a safe and positive environment for budding young sportsmen.

Established in 1998 by Bill O'Shaughnessy with just nine boys playing football, the club has grown to boast nine teams with over 110 children registered aged from eight to 16. The donations from Nikal and McLaren Construction will help support the future of the club as Under 13's manager Steve Ariss explains:

"The donations from Nikal and McLaren Construction mean the world to our young players.  At present the teams have to borrow training equipment from Aston Old Edwardians Rugby Club whose ground we train on, so to start 2011 with their own brand new training kit and sweatshirts has boosted their enthusiasm, confidence and pride in the club. As a club run by volunteers, we rely heavily on the support of the local community and knowing companies working in the area are supporting us is a huge boost to everyone who gives up their time for free to provide children in Birmingham with the chance to develop their football skills."

Having donated training equipment including evasion belts, agility ladders and coaching mannequins to Great Barr Harriers, Simon James, sales director for Hive was keen to see the team in action and attended a training evening. 

"It was fantastic to go and watch the Under 13's team be put through their paces with the new equipment that we donated," commented Simon. "Local clubs like this rely heavily on community support and, when we heard the teams here were struggling to train using borrowed equipment from the rugby club, we simply had to step in and help. The Under 13's team clearly have lots of passion for football and it was great to hear from the boys how well they are performing in their Walsall League.  We wish the team every success for the future and hope one day to see a player who started at this grass roots club representing England on the pitch."

Great Barr Harriers is always open to new members aged 8-16 years. The club also has a number of voluntary vacancies for club staff.  

Nikal and McLaren Construction are currently developing Hive, the second building at the £600 million Masshouse scheme located in the heart of Eastside in Birmingham city centre. Hive brings an exciting and innovative new collection of 167 studio suites, one and two bedroom apartments to the city centre, within walking distance of the Bullring and Colmore Business District. The first phase of properties released for sale and ready for occupation in March, includes studio suites and one bedroom apartments in a choice of layouts, with prices starting from £90,000.

A marketing suite and two show homes are now open daily at Hive.  Hive is located at Masshouse Plaza, Moor Street Queensway, Birmingham B5 5JE.