THE Smile Council supporters group has presented the Newport County AFC academy with a cheque for £2,500 to help towards the running costs of the youth development phase (YDP).

It is the second time this season that the group has donated £2,500 to help the Exiles under-12s to under-16s.

County’s YDP head of operations Darren Broadribb said: “Our friends the Smile Council have been absolutely fantastic to us over the past four years, generously donating more than £20,000, and we really can’t thank them enough for their continued support.

“The money has helped us to improve the standard of the academy, giving our budding young Exiles the best opportunity to make it as a scholar and hopefully into the first team squad one day.

“It has enabled us to hire the best facilities available in Newport, extend training time, employ more coaching staff and renew our coaching equipment when required.

“Since the Smile Council’s support we have seen a significant increase in the number of our youth players breaking into the first team squad – most recently Finlay Wood – showing that their financial support has played a crucial part in producing first team players.”