The Sutton Guardian is launching a campaign to help a struggling children's football league.

Our Little League Lifeline appeal is calling on businesses and residents to donate whatever they can to help us raise £3,000 for Sutton Little League.

The league, that hundreds of children are involved in each week, wants to buy a refreshments van which can be at Royston Park, Carshalton, every Saturday during the season, selling food and drinks to parents, with the money earned being ploughed back into the league to help them with running costs., including equipment, pitch hire, medals and trophies.

The league used to be self sufficient, but Sutton Council gave its major source of income - profits from a tuck shop at the pavilion - to a nursery, and now organisers say everyone will lose out if the they can not afford to hire pitches.

Mark Streetly, chairman of Sutton Little League, believes the social benefits of the league are immeasurable, and it would be a tragedy if it was forced to close because of a lack of funds.

He said: "We have kids who come and play on Saturdays, who you can tell are having difficulties, whether it is at home or at school.

They can be a handful. But by the end of the season, you can see the change in them, they are more social with other kids, they have a team ethic, they learn to share. Parents see it as well as us. Any sport helps a child's development."

Sutton United has thrown its weight behind the campaign, saying it sees the league as a breeding ground for new talent.

John James, Sutton Utd FC Community Outreach Team, said: "All the little leagues in the area act as a feeder leagues for us, and we work closely with them. It vitally important it is to keep little leagues going as they provide valuable enjoyment and health and well-being to children prior to joining organised junior league football.

We support any campaign that would enable Sutton Little League to continue and receive valuable income from the refreshments van."

Mr Streetly said the league needs to raise £3,000 to put the van together, and is organised a sponsored charity shootout.

The Sutton Guardian will also be organising fundraising events in the near future. If you want to help contact jpepper@london.newsquest.co.uk.

If you want to donatae, you can either send a cheque made payable to Sutton Little League and address it to Wayne Francis, 65 Bramblewood Close, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 1PQ. 

Or alternatively you can transfer money straight into the little league account  which is with Natwest, Account number 37619225, Sort code 602108.