NFU Mutual, based in Newtown St Boswells, has agreed a three-year sponsorship of the Borders annual Festival of Football event, organised by Borders Sport and Leisure.

The event is one of the largest grassroots participation events in Europe with over 2,000 competitors and spectators from over 120 teams representing 22 clubs arriving at Netherdale.

The event also includes the Scottish Borders Junior Football Association finals, one of which is held in memory of Selkirk teenager Cameron Gunn.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “We’re delighted that NFU Mutual has come on board as a sponsor for the Festival of Football.

"This event plays a key role in encouraging children to play football and NFU Mutual’s support over a three year period will allow us to plan ahead and make the event, which now also includes disability, women’s and girl’s football, even bigger and better.

"Their help, and that of the other businesses that work with us, is extremely important in helping us grow this important fixture in the region’s sporting calendar.”

The 13th running of the festival will take place on June 5 at the 3G Arena and the Netherdale pitches in Galashiels.

Senior Agent Richard Forsyth from NFU Mutual, Newtown St Boswells, added: “ We’ve been providing insurance products and services to Borderers from all walks of life for over 100 years, so we know the community well and know that they are passionate about sport.

"We hope our sponsorship of the Festival of Football will play an important role in the development of this fantastic tournament and assist and encourage the region’s young football enthusiasts.”