Friday, May 18th, 2012
Redditch United Football Club has announced its first community partnership, forging a ground-breaking link with the town’s YMCA by putting the charity’s name on the front of team shirts to help boost the profile of the relationship.
Club chairman Chris Swan proposed the idea after witnessing the work the organisation did with young people in the area.
Red's Chairman Chris Swan and Vice-Chairman Sallie Swan with some of the Redditch 'YMCA' staff
He said: “I was genuinely moved by seeing at first hand how the YMCA helps to transform the lives of many different people in Redditch, their ethics and community strategy is identical to ours.
“I had no hesitation in putting their names on the front of our shirts for the coming season. We would normally have sold the space for more than £12,000 but this deal has helped forge a vital link to a group that will be a key stakeholder at Redditch United.
“This is just the first of many partnerships we are looking to develop in the town ensuring this is an exciting time for everyone.”
The new all-red shirts were unveiled ahead of Redditch’s final pre-season game – at home to Halesowen Town. Jacintha Hodgson, Chair of Trustees at Redditch YMCA, said it was clear that the football club and charity shared a common vision.
“We are very excited about the partnership with Redditch United,” she explained. “We know Redditch United share our vision and are passionate about engaging with young people, who may be their future football stars.
“We believe, in partnership, we have lots of complementary skills and services to offer and look forward to many years of close working, reaching out together to support more young people in our community.
“The YMCA’s vision is of ‘transforming communities so that all young people truly belong, contribute and thrive’”.
Redditch YMCA has been established for more than 30 years and currently offers a range of services for young people – from children’s centres, which cater from birth, to educational services for young people up to the age of 25. In addition, there are many sports, housing and support activities.
