B & M United have added some class and professionalism to Sussex Sunday League football.

The Division Seven outfit award their man-of-the-match a bottle of bubbly and a trophy after every game.

Manager Andrew Teague donates the trophy and he nominates the team's star performer after each match.

The player is then presented with the trophy to keep and a bottle of French sparkling wine, the bottle even comes complete with a typed sticker naming the respective B & M recipient.

The team's weekly award has been going on since Brent Pettit and brother Mathew formed the side three years ago and their dad Graham keeps the team well-oiled.

Graham said: "I bring the bottles back from the continent. I buy it in bulk, I'm really not a football fan but I got involved because my sons started the team.

"It helps keep the team together and gives them something to play for."

Mr Pettit, 50, is a lorry driver and he picks up the bubbly on his travels in France.

"I enjoy doing it and I like to watch the team whenever I can," he added. "I'm proud of them and they all put their heart and soul into it."

The players do not share the spoils with their team-mates though. "I think they save it for their wives," said Graham.

After three years of shuttling back and forth across the channel with booze for the team, Graham has given United a considerable number of bottles.

And his patronage does not stop there. "I'm looking into getting them a player-of-the-year trophy," said United's very own sugar daddy.

Graham does at least find time to sample the booze himself. He added: "I do have a bottle now and then when I find the right company. I like a drop and probably get through a bottle a week, but not when I am driving."

B & M United, named after the side's founders, are currently ninth in Division Seven, but Brent, 29, reckons the team would be a lot worse off without the booze.

"When my brother and I started the team we decided we need an incentive for the players. Since then my dad has probably given away about 60 bottles.

"Craig Williams has already won a couple this season. The players love it. I think it probably puts an extra spring in the step. Other teams are always saying where did you get that from?"

Park Life cannot compete with sparkling wine, but we do have a stash of mouthwatering London Pride to give away. A case to any team with another usual man-of-the-match ceremony.

Call James Nursey on 01273 544581.