A Halton funeral home sponsored 17 Amaranth FC rain jackets to help its new junior football team compete in winter conditions as it enters the local league for the first time.
Wm Dodgson & Son Funeral Directors donated £400 to Amaranth FC’s newly formed under 12s team after it joined the Garforth Junior Football League, marking its first competitive outing.
Manager Shawn Rowley said: “This is the first time the boys are playing competitively as a group, and we don’t want anything to stand in their way.
“Wm Dodgson & Son were kind enough to provide funds for 17 Amaranth FC rain jackets so our team will be ready to play whatever the weather while looking the part.”
Coach Steve Austin approached his wife, Lee, who works as a funeral arranger at Wm Dodgson & Son to see if the funeral home would be interested in supporting the club’s new team as it prepares for its first competition.
Wendy Ambler, Area Development Manager for Wm Dodgson & Son, was immediately taken with the idea and arranged a £400 donation on behalf of the funeral home, which has provided rain jackets for every player and coach in the team.
She said: “Everyone works incredibly hard at Amaranth FC and we’re proud to see the under 12s wearing the Wm Dodgson & Son name as they go for gold.”
Steve handed out the new kit to his players who were over the moon along with their parents. He described: “They weren’t expecting it at all. It’s very encouraging to have the backing of a respected name like Wm Dodgson & Son.
“Team Manager Shawn Rowley, Coach Ash Eddleston and I would like to thank Wm Dodgson & Son for the generosity in providing sponsorship to enable the purchase of these jackets.”
All eyes are on the under 12s as Shawn, Steve and Ash focus on honing the players’ football skills as well as supporting their wellbeing in time for their first competitive matches.
Shawn, Steve and Ash concluded: “Along with building on their fitness and health, we place great emphasis on life skills such as teamwork and forging friendships, which are invaluable to the sport. Above all else, we want our players to enjoy playing football.”
Wendy added: “Everyone at Wm Dodgson & Son is rooting for the under 12s team. Good luck boys!”