Youth side’s debut season – in style

Billingshurst Football Club’s new youth side are enjoying their debut season in smart new kits thanks to two firms.

The under-eights had just six shirts between all the players until they secured funds for a new team strip.

Charlotte Brazier, whose son Jack is seven and plays for the team, nominated the squad for a £250 Team Sport Award from her employer, UK Power Networks. The team had already secured a generous sponsorship from Chris Evans, of Evans Electrical, with the sports grant from UK Power Networks enabling them to complete their new look.

Charlotte, an HR adviser at UK Power Networks, said: “It was really exciting to receive the award and they were thrilled to get the new kit. This is a new team, formed this season and there were just six old shirts between them. Now they have fancy new kit.

“The team should have formed last year but because of Covid there were so many stops and starts to their football that it’s really special they have finally been able to come together.

“It enables them to have wider friendships with children from neighbouring villages and it’s such a passion. Jack lives and breathes it and can’t wait for Wednesdays and Saturdays each week when he can see his friends and play football.”

The squad train on Wednesdays and play home matches on Saturdays at Jubilee Fields competing in the Horsham and District Youth Football League. Jack’s dad, Chris, is one of three parents who share the team coaching responsibilities.

The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and promotes healthy living, teamwork and sport.