A Swindon business is helping the next generation of local footballers get their boots on the pitch after agreeing a two-year sponsorship deal with Robins FC.
Grant UK, which has its headquarters in Swindon, has become the new sponsor of the club’s Under-8s boys’ teams, providing support for more than 20 young players competing in the North Wilts Football League.
For the youngsters, it means backing from a local company as they continue to develop their football skills, build friendships and enjoy playing the game.
Robins FC has been part of Swindon’s grassroots football scene since 1991, offering children the opportunity to get involved in the sport from Under-6s through to Under-15s.
The club holds regular training sessions on grass and 3G pitches, with teams taking part in league fixtures, cup competitions and tournaments throughout the season.
Much of that work happens thanks to volunteers. From those running the club behind the scenes to the coaches giving up their evenings and weekends, Robins FC depends on people willing to give their time to local youngsters.
The new partnership with Grant UK also has a personal connection.
Rob Hall, who works in the company’s warehouse team, has a son playing for the Under-8s and was familiar with the club’s search for a new sponsor.
“Robins FC is a popular grassroots club here in Swindon,” said Rob.
“They have supported the local community through the provision of football training facilities and coaches for over two decades, fielding young players to senior teams as they progress with the club.
“The Under-8s were seeking a new sponsor earlier this year and the Club specifically wanted to work with a local company, so Grant UK was a great partner given our headquarters are so close to their training fields.”
For Robins FC chairman Paul Wainwright, who has been involved with the club since its formation in 1991, the sponsorship is welcome news at a time when interest in youth football continues to grow.
Paul has also spent more than two decades coaching and managing teams, seeing first-hand the difference grassroots football can make to children growing up in Swindon.
“It’s fantastic that Grant UK have recognised us as a Club and the grassroots movement as a whole,” he said.
“As a Club we rely on volunteers and the support of our communities.”
The chairman explained that the Under-8s age group has continued to expand, with the club now running three teams.
“To receive significant sponsorship and support from Grant UK is a massive support to us as a Club and specifically our U8’s teams.
“We have three already and it’s continuing to grow. Which makes us so happy, as that is more young people developing their skills, enjoying sport, being active, having fun and also making memories that will last a lifetime.
“We look forward to working and partnering with Grant UK long into the future.”
The sponsorship is another example of a Swindon company putting something back into the town, supporting a club where the focus is as much on enjoyment, confidence and teamwork as it is on results.
For the children pulling on their Robins FC shirts each weekend, the backing will help support their football journey over the next two seasons.
And for the volunteers who keep the club running, having a local business on board provides some welcome support for the work they do.
Grant UK is known for its heating products, including oil-fired boilers, air source heat pumps, renewable heating systems and radiators.
Further information about the company is available at www.grantuk.com.
