Local Purton football team join forces with IT recruitment company to promote diversity

Local team Purton Vipers U9 have joined forces with local company Verelogic to promote diversity in grassroots football.

Purton Youth FC says it has worked very hard over the last couple of seasons to be more inclusive by increasing female and SEND participation within all of its teams.

In the summer of 2021, Head coach Jennifer Guppy wanted to start a team that would promote inclusivity.

She said: “Grassroots football should be inclusive and welcoming for all, regardless of gender or ability."

The team behind Purton FC say having a female coach on the coaching team, and the success of its girls only football sessions last summer, has helped to increase and normalise female participation throughout the club.

The team say they are very proud to be accredited as a female friendly club, as part of ongoing training provided by Wiltshire FA.

The football team believe having coaches who are understanding of the emotional and physical disabilities of an individual player helps to support inclusivity and builds the confidence of our players. PYFC currently have a handful of SEND players playing regularly and thriving in some of its teams.

Chairman Jeremy Beach says: “Purton Youth is a welcoming and inclusive football club with an approach that focuses on players having fun at training and in matches. We are proud to support the FA’s campaign to #letgirlsplay and have seen a definite upturn in interest from girls, who we take into the club on the same basis as boys into mixed squads.

"Having mixed teams reflects the children’s lack of distinction based on gender when playing football together and provides a consistent basis for development and talent recognition. It is heartening to see this integration and the mutual respect built within mixed teams is definitely beneficial for all our players.”

The team started in kit that had been used for a few seasons, so the Vipers coaching staff sought out a local company who could sponsor a new kit to make the players feel part of something new and exciting.

They approached the CEO of Verelogic Kevin Metcalfe who said he pleased to help out, and was buying into the diverse make up of Purton Vipers

He said: “With over 30 years experience in Recruitment, Verelogic knows what it takes to find the ideal candidate for every role. With specific specialisms, in IT & Technical; Green & Renewable Energy; Engineering and Professional Services, however not limiting ourselves to think outside the box, Verelogic know how to combine the skills and personal attributes to present the perfect person for your team”

Purton FC says it is very grateful for Verelogic’s investment and look forward to showing off the new kit in their upcoming matches and tournament’s.

Those with children interested in playing for Purton FC (and aged between 4 -16) can contact [email protected]