FRIENDS Provident reconfirmed their support of grass roots football, renewing their sponsorship of the Fair Play Awards in a ceremony held before the kick-off of last week's Southampton-Arsenal game.

The successful community scheme, run in association with Saints, is now in its fifth year and aims to reward the effort and commitment of young footballers between the ages of seven and 15.

Friends Provident's director of communications Nick Voakes said: "These football awards are not about the best players or teams but focus on those who epitomise the spirit of the game.

"For example, the boy or girl who turns up every week and trains every week but never gets a game or the person who works tirelessly to ensure that youngsters get the opportunity to play football."

Supported by the Football Association and Hampshire FA, the awards are open to both players and behind-the-scenes workers.

Winners can be nominated in a number of categories including most improved boy and most improved girl.

Journal sports editor Mike Turner was among those helping to launch the scheme at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium.