A RESTAURANT on Portland is continuing its support of grassroots football.

Balti Island had already sponsored a youth team on Portland for the 2020/21 season - and has now thrown its weight behind the Portland Panthers adult sides.

The local business has sponsored the away kit for Portland Panthers and the deal will last until the 2023/24 season.

Balti Island owner Shihab Mia said: "We are a long-established business on Portland and feel it is really important to give back and assist the local community.

"We believe that active sport is an important way of keeping people healthy and wanted to contribute to both the young people of the island and the adults that play the national sport weekly."

Portland Panthers managers Mark Franklin and David Symes said: "We want to say a big thank you to Shihab for his positive outlook to local grassroots football.

"The backing from local businesses is vital to the club and allows us to keep the costs manageable and open to everyone."

Portland Panthers have over 56 players signed on and playing regular football on the Island. They have teams in Dorset Division 3 and 5.

Local football agent and Panthers Covid Officer, Jordan Allen, said: "the number of people wanting to take part in active sport is growing all the time. It won't be long before we have enough players to start a third team."

If you are interested in playing for the Panthers visit the Facebook page @PPanthersFC