Under 7s football team carry on playing thanks to help of Sheffield and Rotherham businesses
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Sheffield Rangers Under 7s played their first home game last weekend - their first season in grassroots football.
Jayne West, of Time for Tea - a cafe on Burncross Road, Sheffield - and Craig Short, the director of Yorkshire Supplies - a Rotherham based cleaning products supplier - are believed to have played a big part in that.
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Hide AdThomas Fowler, head coach of Sheffield Rangers U7s, said: “Grassroots football is struggling financially, and with the current economic uncertainty surrounding us all, we must really be considerate when raising money and asking for donations.
“However, thanks to Jayne and Craig we have managed to purchase all the essentials required for the new football season.”
Time for Tea’s sponsorship has allowed the team to get rain jackets for the upcoming season while sponsorship from Yorkshire Supplies has meant the team could buy the team’s away kits.
Thomas would also like to thank Julie Gamble who runs the Jubilee Club on Clay Wheels Lane, as this has enabled the Sheffield Rangers to train throughout the summer.
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Hide AdHe told how their football team were ‘very lucky’ to receive such support from the community in the current times.
Thomas explained: “Jayne owns and runs the local cafe and has had to adjust to the demanding situation what Covid-19 has thrown at her and her business, however she has still had the generosity to offer to sponsor the Sheffield Rangers Under 7s.”
He believes giving young people the chance to play football is not only beneficial for them physically, but mentally too.
Thomas added: “The kids have been training all summer, played plenty of friendly games and I feel not only has it kept them outside playing in the fresh air, but has supported their mental health, social well-being and kept them off the electronics.”
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Hide AdHe and fellow coach Richard Kendall believe the support from local businesses and the support from the parents of players, has made their job ‘extremely rewarding’.
Thomas said: “We have a great team bond, and all the kids have a close friendship.
“They are loving their new hobby and with the new kit they can walk out proud, looking like the true little football stars they are.”
Jayne, who also happens to be the aunt of two of the players - Rocco and Alfie - has watched the Sheffield Rangers train every week over the summer.
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Hide AdKnowing that the team was playing their first game of the season, she wanted to make sure they looked the part with their kit.
She said: “We just wanted to make sure they looked good and help them out.”
Jayne, who runs Time for Tea with her sister, said: “We just wanted to help out - it’s difficult in the current circumstances with fundraising etc.
“We enjoy watching them play.”
Sheffield Rangers will play their next game at the Thorncliffe SGP at High Green on Saturday, October 17.