Leisure World Colchester and Colchester Sports Park are the new sponsors for Colchester Villa under-12s Reds youth football team.
The team will be kitted out with the latest football kits by the Colchester Borough Council-run leisure facilities, as they become their sponsors for the next two seasons.
Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park are regularly involved in community initiatives, like working with local schools to educate children on water safety, cycling engagement within the community by a British Cycling community coach based at Colchester Sports Park (including most recently at Tiptree for Ride London), and educating schools and community groups in the importance of wellbeing and available access to facilities within the borough at events including the 25th Mile End Community Ground Festival. This will however be the first time they have sponsored a local youth sports team.
Colchester Villa is one of the oldest and largest football clubs in Colchester. Formed in 1975 they are an FA accredited charter club with 26 teams across 11 age groups, 333 players and 40 qualified coaches. The Colchester Villa under 12 reds team is now looking to donating their old kits to underprivileged youth teams in Africa.
Cllr Adam Fox, Deputy leader of the council, said: “It’s hugely important that grassroots football teams receive local sponsors where possible, and it was great to see the team kitted out and excited for the football season ahead. Good luck lads.”
Cllr Martin Goss, portfolio holder for Neighbourhood Services and Waste, added: “We believe in supporting the local community and young people in it in any way we can, particularly when it comes to encouraging them to be active. This is the first time we have sponsored a local youth team, and I am looking forward to watching the games through the season.”
James Dean, Manager of Colchester Villa under-12s reds, said: "We are really pleased with our kit for the new season, it’s great to have support from local businesses. With this kind of support given from our sponsors our kids can enjoy the new team wear for the next two seasons.”
Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park will be looking at ways they can further support the local community in a similar way across a range of sports over the coming years.
Page last reviewed: 21 September 2022