JCB Funds Kits for Staffordshire Footballers

A Staffordshire Moorlands football club is celebrating a double win after two of its junior teams secured sponsorship for smart new strips from digger giant JCB.

Cheadle South Moorlands United girls Under 14s and boys Under 7s teams took to the pitch at their South Moorlands Leisure Centre base to unveil the new kit after each received £500 from JCB, which has its Earthmovers and Compact Products factories in the town. For the Under 14s girls’ team, who play in the Staffordshire Girls Under 14 Premier League, it marked a milestone of playing in their first dedicated female-fit kit.  

Coach, Andy Little, whose daughter Natasha plays in the 15-strong squad has seen the Year 8 and 9 girls go from strength to strength. He said: “This is only the team’s third season together and when we started half of them had never played football before. The league is now the most competitive it has been and is made up of teams across Staffordshire - from Leek Town who are furthest north to Lanehead, down in Walsall. We are improving every year and are currently in third place in the league and still in the Cup competition.

“The donation from JCB is a massive help and this is the first time we have bought a female specific kit. When parents have to fund everything, it can become very expensive, so this sponsorship is very much appreciated.”

Ben Jones who manages the boys Cheadle Reds Under 7s team with Steve Evans is also seeing his squad enjoy success in Tier 3 of the North Staffs Junior Youth League. He said: “Since forming the team last year the boys won the Wendy Jones Memorial Trophy, which was a great success considering the age of the team and gave the boys memories that will last a lifetime. JCB has provided a platform for the boys to progress with their footballing careers, making friends, meeting new people, and providing them with social skills to develop and apply in everyday life. Without the support and funding provided by JCB, none of this would be possible, so a massive thanks from Cheadle SMU and the U7s Reds.”

For anyone interested in joining the teams, both train and play home games at South Moorlands Leisure Centre, Cheadle. The Under 14 girls train on Monday nights and play on Saturday mornings, while the Under 7 boys train on Thursday nights and play on Sundays. To find out more visit www.cheadlesmufc.co.uk/.