Budding footballers from Sunderland Redhouse FC 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.
Sunderland Redhouse Youth FC was nominated for funding by Julie-Ann Thorn, a Royal Mail Customer Advisor whose son plays for the team. Royal Mail’s logo now features on the front of the team’s shirts.
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. In its first year, the programme has received 2,500 nominations from employees and has supported 300 teams so far, with successful clubs chosen randomly by region.
Sunderland Redhouse Youth FC was founded to offer children in the North East the best grassroots football experience possible. This season saw the club play unbeaten, having won 14 of its 18 games and drawing four, and finishing in the final of the Durham Cup. The club will double in size for the forthcoming season, with 26 players across two U11s teams.
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 Sunderland Redhouse Youth FC.”
Leigh Atkin, Sunderland Redhouse Youth FC Coach, said:
“The Kit4Kids grant means the world to our players and their families and has been a game-changer. Being a brand-new youth football club comes with a lot of expense and this grant allows us to give every child a chance to play, learn, and grow, and having proper kit helps them feel like part of something bigger without financial barriers the comes with buying kits. It builds team spirit and confidence both on and off the pitch.”
