The programme has been launched by Kensington to sponsor local football as a means of supporting communities and, as the first participating club, Brantham Athletic have demonstrated their commitment to providing coaching and facilities to develop young talent, encouraging children in the local area to play football and running a sustainable and community-focussed club across a number of age groups.
Kensington will be working with Brantham Athletic to help develop their community programme, with a number of subsidised coaching sessions and special events throughout the year.
Alex Hammond, PR, brand and communications manager at Kensington, says: “In my opinion football in this country is moving in the wrong direction, with too much money at the top of the game and very little for the grass roots clubs who are really making a difference to their communities.
"We wanted to help those clubs that work hard, on limited budgets, to create opportunity for children and young adults in their area and Brantham Athletic have demonstrated this commitment in abundance.
“We are really excited about working together with Brantham Athletic to really increase its links with the community and hope to roll out our Community Football programme to other clubs around the country in the not-too distant future.”
Peter Crowhurst, chairman at Brantham Athletic, says: “Brantham Athletic strongly believe that football has the ability to unify communities by bonding all age, race, gender and social groups with a common sense of purpose.
"Football holds a unique attraction and relevance to people. A club such as ours provides the platform to improve football skills, help players graduate through the game and build lifetime friendships. Importantly we believe that good coaching can fulfil a mentoring and character building capacity, developing the role models and good citizens of the future.
“Brantham Athletic Football Club is working very hard with Local Government and the Football Association to meet these challenges, and help provide a bond in our community. We have a five-year plan that includes achievement of FA Community Football Club Status, improving our facilities and sustaining ourselves as a step five club within the football league structure.
“Kensington’s Initiative has provided us with the support, the lifeblood and advice we need to plan and meet these targets. We are extremely grateful that we have been chosen to pilot this programme.”
