Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has presented youth sides from west Suffolk with their new kit.

The England football star handed over brand new kit to players from Guildhall Feoffment U9s, Elmswell Hurricanes U10s, Bury Town U10s and Mildenhall U13s at the Drive Vauxhall dealership in Bury St Edmunds.

The event was part of Vauxhall - the England team sponsor’s - Youth Programme initiative.

Speaking at the dealership on Tuesday, Mr Jenkinson said: “It is fantastic to see young players enjoying their football and I have really enjoyed meeting them all today.”

He added: “It is very important to support grass-roots football in England for the good of the game moving forward - this is a fantastic initiative and one I am very proud to be part of.”

Sarah Ferrari, general manager at Drive Vauxhall in Bury, said: “Supplying these teams with a brand new kit is just the starting point to an exciting partnership.

“Drive Vauxhall’s sponsorship of local youth teams highlights the importance of supporting the game from the bottom at grass-roots level to the top at the international game, and showcases just how committed Vauxhall are as a Home Nations Football sponsor.

“As well as providing them with their new kit we have a dedicated member of our staff working closely with the teams and their coaches, who will give their time and ideas to support the clubs. We have also been working very closely with the Suffolk Football Association (FA) around their youth leagues and look forward to continuing this relationship.”

Mr Jenkinson has made five appearances for England U21s and collected his first Senior cap in November 2012.

Peter Ackerley, the FA’s senior national game development manager, said: “The FA is working closely with its Youth Partner Vauxhall alongside Sport England. We have no doubt the local support of the Vauxhall dealerships will make a significant positive difference to football in their local area.”