COLLECTING is one of the universal joys of childhood. And although the fads and trends come and go there is little that can beat the elation of finding an elusive item and completing your set.

This week an Unsworth sports team caught the collecting bug and went sticker crazy as they launched their own collectable album.

Inspired by the iconic Panini football sticker albums ­— which have been a playground staple, delighting youngsters for almost five decades ­— the books are unique to each of the 268 children who play for Unsworth FC’s 24 boys and girls teams.

At a special launch event on Saturday each player from the club was presented with their own personalised sticker album ready to get collecting.

They can now buy sticker packs containing images of their teammates from nearby newsagents and shops.

The club will also be holding regular swapmeets to ensure each of the players is able to complete their book.

The sticker album concept was dreamt up by Under 11s coach, Alex South, after hearing of a similar scheme run by a club in Stockport.

He then approached Spanish sticker company Cromogal who sent a photographer over to Unsworth to take a snap of each of the club’s players, before sending back the finished products.

Mr South, whose son Lucas has been playing at Unsworth FC since he was four-years-old, said: “I had sticker albums as a kid and loved going to school and doing swaps.

“Now the kids at the club can enjoy that too. Only instead of collecting Ronaldo and Messi they are collecting themselves which is a nice thing and has brought the club together.”

Mr South’s idea has proven an immediate hit helping the club to raise more than £2,200 so far.

The vital cash will be used to help the club in running costs and to purchase much needed equipment.

Mr South said: “The amount raised is just incredible for a little club like ours and we are so lucky to have such a fantastic club. That money will help to buy goal posts and training equipment and so many other things. And the kids have really enjoyed collecting so it has been a win win.”