Doncaster junior football club celebrates after securing new kit funding from Royal Mail
Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids was launched in response to many requests from colleagues across the country who want to help their local youth sports teams by funding new kit
Budding footballers from Sprotbrough & Cusworth Crusaders JFC U11s are celebrating being awarded a grant for brand-new kits as part of Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids programme.
The team received the funding as part of the company’s drive to support employees’ local grassroots teams and help young people get active.
The team was nominated by Jackie Webley, an Ecommerce Channels Manager at Royal Mail whose son plays for the team. Royal Mail’s logo now features on the front of the team’s kits.
Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids was launched in response to many requests from colleagues across the country who want to help their local youth sports teams by funding new kit.
Royal Mail and Parcelforce employees were encouraged to nominate their local grassroots youth sports teams to receive grant funding. The programme has received thousands of nominations from employees and has supported over 670 teams so far.
Sprotbrough & Cusworth Crusaders JFC are a grassroots youth club based in Doncaster, offering inclusive football for both boys & girls from 4 to 18.
The club prides itself on its high retention of players, many who start as Minis and stay with the club throughout their football journey, which is a testament to the second home the club creates where kids are made to feel welcomed, encouraged, and supported.
The club actively encourages engagement from parents and carers, offering opportunities to access training and learning courses to integrate into the Crusaders as coaches, managers and referees as just a few examples.
Greg Sage, Royal Mail’s Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs and ESG, said: “Our 130,000 people are at the heart of their communities across the UK, and Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids gives colleagues the opportunity to show their support and help young people get active in their local area.
“Unwavering pride and passion, forging through all weathers, out in the community – grassroots sport has a lot in common with Royal Mail. This exciting new initiative brings the two together and we are delighted to be able to support Sprotbrough & Cusworth Crusaders JFC.”
Laura Hewitt-Arksey, Sprotbrough & Cusworth Crusaders JFC U11s Coach, said: “The Crusaders were thrilled to receive the smart new kits provided by the Kits 4 Kids grant from Royal Mail.
“We have visibly noticed the transformation in the way the kids step out to training and matches with pride in their appearance, as well as total comfort, and this transmits to the way they play on the pitch.
“Thank you to Jackie for the nomination, and to the team at Royal Mail for making the whole design, order, and dispatch process seamless and stress-free!”