Match day as sponsor’s kit gift gives Panthers new purpose
A JUNIOR football team is now sporting a striking new kit, courtesy of a sponsor.
FC Burbage’s under-14s Panthers used a £750 grant from the Heart of England Co-operative Society to buy a red-and-black striped kit for the 22-strong squad in .
Team secretary Simon Smith said the gift had injected a fresh sense of pride and purpose into the side, which plays in the Leicester and District Junior Sunday League.
“The money came at just the right time for us as the old kit was getting very tired,” he said.
“The boys were having to make do with shirts of all shapes and sizes and to be honest some tops even had slightly different designs to others. Now every player has got a new strip to treasure. We’re extremely grateful to the Heart of England Co-op for giving us such a generous amount of money. The boys are made up and everyone at the club really does appreciate this gesture.”
The Panthers, who play at Sketchley Hill Park Farm, won promotion last year, but, Mr Smith said the team’s philosophy is more about the love of the game than winning every match.
The donation was one of nine to charities and community groups during the latest round of awards from the Co-operative Society’s Helping Hearts awards scheme.
12th Hinckley Methodist Guides put its £500 donation towards a trip to Switzerland, while the £250 allocated to Hereford Way Social Group will help it to buy entertainment equipment.
All Saints Primary School and Richmond Primary School each received £200 worth of gift vouchers and the Sapcote Bloom Group was given £150 worth of mince pies and mulled wine for a festive celebration.
The Moat House Care Home, in Burbage, was handed £100 of goodies for a fund-raising raffle, while Stoney Stanton Parish Council received £200 to buy food for Christmas parcels.
Earl Shilton Methodist Church was also awarded £200 to help set up a community cafe and book shop.
Catherine Evans, Heart of England Co-op’s community and membership advisor, said the Helping Hearts scheme had raised more than £1 million for charities and worthy causes since its launch in 2000.
“Supporting the areas we trade in is part of our DNA and we donate a minimum of £50,000 each year to deserving community causes,” she said. “We would like to hear from any local charities or community organisations in need of support.”
To apply for a Helping Hearts grant, email the address below with details about your group and how you would use the money.