Groundforce has once again sponsored Gildersome FC, a local team to the Leeds office Ailsa House, coached by Groundforce Shorco’s (our excavation support business) Area Manager Darren Boote whose children also play for the team.
Last season, the team finished a respectable mid-table in the Huddersfield Junior League, a fantastic achievement considering the challenges the team had faced with players moving on and entering their first year of secondary school. The clubs highlight of the season was the opportunity to play at Elland Road – the home stadium of Leeds United, both parents and children alike enjoyed the experience and will never forget following in the footsteps of players past and present.
As the club move into the new season there are more challenges ahead, the current cost of living crisis playing a pivotal role in this. As a not for profit club it is important to keep costs down and the club aims to avoid raising funds through the players parents on top of their monthly subs. The club reach out to a number of local businesses for financial support, putting any funds toward kit and equipment. With the under 13’s moving to an 11-a-side format, more players, kit and equipment are required. Making it more important than ever to obtain sponsorships where possible.
When asked about the help offered by Groundforce to the club, Darren said;
“The club would like to thank Groundforce for their contribution and hope they feel they have played some part in enriching the kids sporting experiences. I would also like to thank Groundforce as I feel the benefit first hand with my son Jake (U13) and daughter Lexi (U8) both playing for the club. As a family, we are heavily involved with the club and grassroots football league community, myself as a volunteer coach and my wife as club secretary, fixture organiser and league committee member. We do this not for the money, but to give opportunities for kids to play football.”
Groundforce wishes the team the best of luck moving into the new season and looks forward to hearing how they progress this year.