A LOCKER manufacturer has invested in grassroots football by backing three junior football clubs in the same town.
Locit has kitted out teams at Baglan Boys and Girls Club, Margam Youth Centre, and Afan Lido Boys and Girls Club, all based in Port Talbot.
The sponsorship deal funded brand-new home kits for the clubs’ respective under-12, under-13 and under-10 teams. The jerseys include the logo for Pure Lockers, Locit’s premium locker brand.
The partnership between the Deeside-based manufacturer and South Wales-based junior football teams was formed by Kevin Elliott, strategic business manager at Locit, whose grandchildren have played for the three clubs. His granddaughter, Lucy Elliott, 11, currently plays for Margam Juniors.
Kevin, a long-term advocate for junior football, shared his motivations. “I’ve been involved in junior football for nearly 40 years, first with my sons and now with my grandchildren.
“Junior football clubs are always struggling for funding for kits and club facilities and are run by volunteers. Supporting them by providing kits and financial aid feels right, especially since my family has benefited from these teams over the years.”
Richard Williams, CEO of Locit, said: “As we continue to grow the business, we recognise how important it is to contribute to our immediate community and other communities that our staff have a close connection with.
“It’s great to be able to support the brilliant work of three grassroots junior football teams run entirely by volunteers for the good of the children.”
“We are delighted to see the Pure Lockers brand on the jersey, and we wish them every success for the season ahead.”
Afan Lido Boys and Girls Club has enabled children to play football since the 1960s. The sponsorship will provide the junior boys’ team with branded kits and financial support for various needs to run the club.
A well-known figure in junior sport and Founder of the Afan Lido Boys and Girls Club said, “Ever since the club was formed over 50 years ago, funding for junior teams has been challenging.
“Sponsorship helps us continue providing opportunities for local children to participate in sport.”
Margam Youth Centre runs ten junior football teams. The sponsorship will assist with the ongoing expenses of the junior girls’ team and the centre’s mission of inclusivity and community outreach.
Margam Youth Centre’s Junior Coach Rhys Burgess welcomed the sponsorship, saying, “Without sponsorship, we wouldn’t be able to run our girls’ teams.”
Baglan Boys and Girls Club has been running junior football teams since 1964.
The sponsorship will help support the junior girls’ football team, ensuring continued access to quality sports facilities and opportunities.
Baglan Boys and Girls Club Coach Dan Elliott said: “Without extracurricular sports teams, many girls would miss out on participating in team sports, as most local schools don’t offer organised football for them.
“This funding empowers the club to foster and grow girls’ football, giving them opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
