[A]n Appleby-based football team has gained sponsorship from Story Homes, the award-winning housebuilder behind local development Orchard Place.
Formed in 2015 in the under-seven league, the team – now in the under-10 league – is managed by local resident Darrell Wilson and forms part of Appleby Football Club in the Penrith and District League.
Last week, the players enjoyed their first training session in tops which were provided by Story Homes.
Darrell, who arranged the sponsorship, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Story Homes for its generous donation. The old training kits were getting worn out and the children grow very fast at this age! Now, they can attend practice sessions with pride and, hopefully, continue the success of the last few games.
“It’s encouraging to see our new sponsor supporting the local community in an area where it’s providing homes for local residents and great to know that the business shares our passion for keeping young kids active!”
The team plays other juniors across Penrith, Carlisle, Keswick and Cockermouth each weekend.
Ian Storey, managing director for Story Homes in Cumbria, said: “It’s great to be able to support a local club. Sport is a fantastic way to bring a community together and Appleby Juniors is a perfect example of this. The team looks very professional in their new training kit and we wish them the best of luck for the season.”
Story Homes has made the donation as part of its ‘Future Story’ scheme, which aims to help charities and community organisations that surround its developments – in this case, Orchard Place in Appleby. The developer accepts sponsorship applications via its website all year round, with a regional committee reviewing submissions on a quarterly basis.
Story Homes is now inviting charities and community groups to apply for support in the next quarter. Applications for sponsorship should be made by completing the form at www.storyhomes.co.uk/sustainable-story.