Saltdean team net grant for smart new kit
Youngsters at Saltdean United Football Club are sporting smart new kit, thanks to their coach who says watching the team’s progress is a highlight of the week.
Field engineer, Ricky Manthorpe, applied for a £250 Team Sport Award from his employer UK Power Networks to help buy new training tops and rain jackets for all the players in the under-7s team.
The key worker, whose job involves keeping power supplies flowing to homes and businesses, supports training sessions at the club where his son Billy, six, is a budding player.
Ricky said: “It’s fantastic that all the kids have new training tops so they can look the same and turn up looking like a professional football team. They certainly look the part now and they are pretty good on the pitch as well. They have played about 25 matches and only lost one.
“We put in a bit of extra money and bought the kids training tops and rain jackets because, especially in the winter, they are warm, protected from the rain and look really smart.
“Seeing them all turning up excited and happy every week and looking the part makes my day and it makes a massive difference to the kids. It helps with confidence, gives them something to aim for, teaches discipline and teamwork. All the players have been at the same primary school from the age of four, so it’s their little team they are proud to represent.
“It’s satisfying to see them giving their best, having fun and doing so well on the pitch. I look forward to Sundays as the most exciting day of the week. It’s great!”
The team train Saturdays at St Margaret’s CofE Primary School, Rottingdean, and play home matches Sundays at Saltdean United Football Club.
The Team Sport Award scheme is run by UK Power Networks to encourage staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sports opportunities.
Field engineer, Ricky Manthorpe, applied for a £250 Team Sport Award from his employer UK Power Networks to help buy new training tops and rain jackets for all the players in the under-7s team.
The key worker, whose job involves keeping power supplies flowing to homes and businesses, supports training sessions at the club where his son Billy, six, is a budding player.
Ricky said: “It’s fantastic that all the kids have new training tops so they can look the same and turn up looking like a professional football team. They certainly look the part now and they are pretty good on the pitch as well. They have played about 25 matches and only lost one.
“We put in a bit of extra money and bought the kids training tops and rain jackets because, especially in the winter, they are warm, protected from the rain and look really smart.
“Seeing them all turning up excited and happy every week and looking the part makes my day and it makes a massive difference to the kids. It helps with confidence, gives them something to aim for, teaches discipline and teamwork. All the players have been at the same primary school from the age of four, so it’s their little team they are proud to represent.
“It’s satisfying to see them giving their best, having fun and doing so well on the pitch. I look forward to Sundays as the most exciting day of the week. It’s great!”
The team train Saturdays at St Margaret’s CofE Primary School, Rottingdean, and play home matches Sundays at Saltdean United Football Club.
The Team Sport Award scheme is run by UK Power Networks to encourage staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and developing sports opportunities.
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