Free kit competition aims to boost grassroots football in Shropshire and Mid Wales

Young footballers from Shropshire and Mid Wales can win a free kit this summer through a competition linked to the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

Lock Stock Self Storage, official storage partner of the tournament, is giving one school or junior football team a free kit. The company says the giveaway creates a lasting legacy from its tournament involvement, which has previously featured future stars including Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.

The tournament runs from June 28 to July 11 in North Wales, with matches at Central Park in Denbigh, Bangor City Stadium, the Oval in Caernarfon, and Wrexham's Racecourse Ground. Teams from Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Spain and Ukraine will compete alongside Wales.

Teams can enter via Lock Stock's social media on Facebook, X and Instagram by following the company and liking the competition post. Tagging a friend increases chances of winning. Teams can enter multiple times through different people.

The winner will be drawn randomly during the week after the tournament final. The winning team can choose kit colours and style, with Lock Stock branding on the front.

Shon Powell, long-serving chairman of Denbigh Town and co-founder of Lock Stock with his brother Nick in 2000, said the competition encourages children to participate in sport. "This tournament coming to North Wales is a once-in-a-generation type of event," Powell stated. "Lock Stock are heavily involved through sponsorship and support, and football in North Wales is a huge passion for the company."

Nick Powell noted the tournament showcases countries' most talented young footballers. "Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Antoine Griezmann and Viktor Gyokeres have all played in this tournament and gone on to be superstars," he said. "Many players competing this year have already featured in La Liga and the Bundesliga, offering a chance to see them before they play in stadiums with 70,000 people."