An east Belfast football club will sport the logo of a local charity on the front of its kit this season.

Orangefield Old Boys FC, who play in the Northern Ireland Amateur League, will have the Autism NI logo on its jerseys.

The new kit was launched at the Cregagh Sports Club on Saturday, January 31, with representatives of the club and the charity in attendance.

According to the club’s manager, the decision to back Autism NI was an easy one.

“We are very proud to support such a worthwhile and relevant charity,” said Rodney Humphries.

“As Autism NI is a locally-based charity, we also feel satisfied in the knowledge that any money raised by the club will remain within Northern Ireland and help support the 20,000 people (in the province) affected by the disability.”

The chief executive of Autism NI expressed her pleasure with the arrangement.

“We are very excited and grateful that one of our local football teams has chosen to support and promote Autism NI as their charity of choice,” said Arlene Cassidy.

“It will undoubtedly raise our profile within Northern Ireland and raise awareness of the vital services we offer.

“On behalf of Autism NI, I would also like to wish Orangefield Old Boys FC all the best in the forthcoming season.”

To find out more about autism or the services provided by Autism NI, call 9040 1729 or visit www.autismni.org.