Stratton Juniors celebrate new kit

Budding footballers from Stratton Juniors have unveiled their brand-new kit, funded by Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids programme.

The team received the funding as part of the company’s drive to support employees’ local grassroots teams and help young people get active.

They were nominated for funding by Gary Wigley, a driver at Royal Mail’s Swindon Mail Centre whose son played for the team. Royal Mail’s logo now features on the front of the team’s shirts.

Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids was launched in response to many requests from colleagues across the country who want to help their local youth sports teams by funding new kit. Royal Mail and Parcelforce employees were encouraged to nominate their local grassroots youth sports teams to receive grant funding. In its first year, the programme has received 2,500 nominations from employees and has supported 300 teams so far, with successful clubs chosen randomly by region.

Stratton Juniors FC is a FA chartered standard community football club. Founded in 1992, its home has remained at the heart of Stratton in the decades since. Over the years, the club has grown to become one of the largest football clubs in Swindon and surrounding areas by living by its ethos of providing “football for all.” The club boasts over 30 teams, including 26 youth teams, a men’s team, a women’s team and Ability Counts U16s and men’s teams for those with disabilities and learning difficulties.

Greg Sage, Royal Mail’s Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs and ESG, said: “Our 130,000 people are at the heart of their communities across the UK, and Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids gives colleagues the opportunity to show their support and help young people get active in their local area. Unwavering pride and passion, forging through all weathers, out in the community – grassroots sport has a lot in common with Royal Mail. This exciting new initiative brings the two together and we are delighted to be able to support Stratton Juniors.”

Gary Wigley, Swindon Mail Centre driver at Royal Mail, said: “I would like to extend my thanks to Royal Mail for generously sponsoring my son’s football team. Seeing them proudly wearing the kit with the Royal Mail logo on fill me with pride, not only as a parent but as someone who has worked for Royal Mail for the last 23 years. It’s incredibly meaningful to see the company I have all my adult life for supporting the next generation in such a positive and inspiring way. Thank you for also making a real difference in the local community.”