St Albans City Youth FC has teamed up with the city's local branch of Specsavers in order to help prevent myopia in children.

The opticians branch has also sponsored the club's Under-11s team kits.

City Youth has been running for over 50 years and promotes grassroots football for boys and girls throughout the community.

Myopia (or short-sightedness) is a condition in which objects that are close appear clear, but objects which are at a distance appear blurred.

Specsavers' optometrist director in St Albans, Ali Hashim, explained how the chance of children developing Myopia can be decreased by participating in physical activity.

He said: "Here in Specsavers, we always strive to tend to the needs of every resident, looking to enrich their lives in one way or another, and St Albans City Youth embody this. 

"With the number of teams they have, including all genders, and age groups and disabilities, it is an honour to partner with the club, sponsoring the Under-11s team kit.

"The prevalence of myopia in children has increased dramatically over the years.

"Children are now twice as likely to experience myopia now than 50 years ago, and the lockdown did not help this, as children across the country had to stay indoors.

"However, now that outdoor activity has returned, it is very important for children to get back into it - not only for their physical and mental health - but also for their optical.

"If children can spend more time playing outside, it will reduce the risk of them developing myopia."

St Albans City Youth FC's manager Gary Veasey added: "On behalf of everyone involved with St Albans City Youth FC, I would like to thank the St Albans Specsavers team for joining our ‘City Youth’ family of sponsors and partners, and for supporting the work that we do as a club and charity.

"These new kits give the players a greater sense of pride in the team and allow them to keep a bit of St Albans wherever they go!"