Young Solihull football players will be stepping out in style next season after landing a sponsorship deal with nearby Coleshill freight and logistics firm International Forwarding Limited (IFL).
The under-8s team, who play for Kingshurst Sporting Club Football Club, have been freshly kitted out in their own teamwear for the 2018/19 season, thanks to their manager Matthew Graham.
Mr Graham, a driver with International Forwarding Limited for five years, decided to approach his bosses to ask about sponsorship for the young lads.
Rob Pike, Managing Director, International Forwarding, said: “Matt has been managing the team since they were six years old – they are due to go into the under-9s in September this year. When he asked if we would be interested in sponsoring them to get a new kit, we didn’t hesitate as it’s always nice to give something back to the community in which we work, and to support local children.”
Kingshurst Sporting Club FC is run by volunteers and helps hundreds of young players develop their football and life skills through regular training, Saturday soccer camps and summer holiday camps. It has 247 players across with 22 boys and girls teams, with two additional adult teams, a ladies team and a men’s team in the Birmingham Ability Counts League.
IFL’s sponsored U8s team plays in the Central Warwickshire Boys League and so far this season they have played 27 games, winning 21, drawing 1 and losing 5, and scoring more than 100 goals.
Confidence boost
Mr Graham said he was proud of how professional the lads look in their new gear, adding: “The boys think the new kit is fantastic and especially like the colours – and, of course, the International Forwarding logo. It’s been a great opportunity for us to give a little something back into the community and support grass-roots football.”
Gary Leake, Club Secretary, Kingshurst Sporting Club FC, added: “The boys are so excited about their new kit, I’m sure this will boost their confidence for their new season ahead.
“Our teams rely on the parents to cover the running costs of the team through subs but, as we know, this only covers the minimum. Clubs like ours need sponsors like IFL to ensure our survival. This enables us to invest in our volunteer coaches to ensure the children get the development and life skills they need.
“Kingshurst SCFC are always looking for sponsors and are hopeful that this is just the beginning of our journey with International Forwarding Limited.”
Photos © Stacey Lea/2018
