SCHOOLS and football clubs throughout Dudley are being encouraged to go Fairtrade this Christmas as a way of getting discounted balls.

Bala Sport, a maker of Fairtrade certified footballs, is offering a 20 percent discount to schools, teams and coaching clubs if they buy one of their balls before December 31.

Made in Sialkot, Pakistan, where 70 percent of the world’s hand stitched footballs come from, the balls are skilfully handstitched and Bala’s employees benefit from working for an ethical employer.

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho said: “Stourbridge Fairtrade kindly donated three Bala balls for use at this summer’s charity walking football match and I can honestly say, the balls performed really well.

“This additional offer from Bala sport to our schools and football teams is a great way to support Fairtrade and get a quality product at a discounted price to boot.”

The discount is available to any Dudley borough school or club, on any of Bala’s three designs, pro, team and play, bought before the end of the year.

For more information about the Fairtrade footballs, or to make an order, visit www.balasport.co.uk