THATCHAM TOWN GIRLS SEEKING GIRLS' AMBASSADOR

A Local entrepreneur has given a financial boost to Thatcham Girls FC and opened up the beautiful game for more female players. A Sponsorship deal to raise the profile of local startup fabric and design firm - JuBerry. Newbury-based RAB Specialist Engineers has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Thatcham Girls FC, providing the club with financial support until the end of the 2015 football season. Two U11s girls’ teams – Thatcham Town Pumas and Cougars will use the sponsorship money to attract fresh players and create more opportunities for girls in the local area to take part in what has now become the biggest female team sport in England. The new football kit, purchased with the help of RAB Specialist Engineers, will also help raise the profile of a Newbury-based startup up firm - JuBerry Fabrics & Designs. Specialists in bespoke fabrics, quilting and home furnishings, the JuBerry logo will feature prominently on the front of the girls’ shirts along with advertising displays at each game. Local businesses are tightening their belts in the current economic climate and securing sponsorship has become increasingly difficult for many youth teams. Coach for the U11s girls’ teams Neil Penny said: “We’re very grateful for this generous sponsorship deal with RAB Specialist Engineers as it will make a huge difference to the club. It means we have the financial security to grow the club and encourage more girls to play football in what is a predominantly male-dominated sport. Through clubs like ours, we focus less on the competitive nature of the game and more on providing a fun and enjoyable environment for our players to learn new skills.

“The money will help Thatcham Girls FC to buy new football kit, equipment and contribute towards the payment of costly pitch fees,” he continued. Richard Betts, local entrepreneur and managing director of RAB Specialist Engineers said: “I’ve worked in this area for many years so it’s great to have the opportunity to give something back to the localized community. Football allows youngsters from all ages and backgrounds to come together and have fun, keep fit, improve their self-esteem and create brand new friendships. The new training equipment and kit will help give the girls’ teams a more professional look as they compete in the Berkshire County Girls Football League.” He added: “As an experienced businessman and entrepreneur, I know how difficult it can be to raise the profile of new startup businesses. Supporting community groups, such as regional football teams, is one way JuBerry Fabrics & Designs hopes to promote its name and professional services within the local area.” Thatcham Girls FC is recruiting players for next season. Training sessions are held every Wednesday evening at Moors Playing Field, Lower Way, Thatcham.

Neil is looking for senior players to act as role models, and therefore, it would be great to get someone to speak to his teams Coach Neil Penny said, " In terms of the team players, it would be great to have a prominent figure / top player from the women’s game to come down and give the girls an insight into how they got started, what they have done to get where they are today, and the work required to stay at the top level as well as the trivial day to day opposition they may or may not have faced from the male side of the game along the way. A Q&A session along with someone taking the girls training to pass on vital information and tips would go a long way. At the club, we create a fun but yet learning foundation for the girls to come along, learn new skills not only in football but social and physical, and we have some girls who really enjoy watching football as well as playing the game. These are the girls who are the future of the game at grass roots, and so we need to nurture their talent and grow it in the right way along with all the right behaviours so they have the potential, opportunity and skills to go all the way if that’s what they choose."

If You can help please contact Neil by Email, neil.penny@mitie.com or Mobile 07771 775653