Swindon youth football club celebrates fresh start on the pitch
Stratton Juniors FC in Swindon has received brand-new kits through Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids programme, designed to support grassroots youth sports across the UK.
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The team was nominated by Gary Wigley, a driver at Royal Mail's Swindon Mail Centre and a long-time employee whose son plays for the club.
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Greg Sage, deputy director for corporate affairs and ESG at Royal Mail, said: "Our 130,000 people are at the heart of their communities across the UK, and Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids gives colleagues the opportunity to show their support and help young people get active in their local area.
"Unwavering pride and passion, forging through all weathers, out in the community – grassroots sport has a lot in common with Royal Mail.
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"This exciting new initiative brings the two together and we are delighted to be able to support Stratton Juniors."
Stratton Juniors FC is an FA chartered standard community football club, founded in 1992.
It is now one of the largest clubs in Swindon and nearby areas, offering more than 30 teams, including 26 youth teams, men's and women's squads, and Ability Counts teams for players with disabilities and learning difficulties.
The club was one of 300 teams selected from 2,500 nominations submitted by Royal Mail and Parcelforce employees.
The Kits 4 Kids programme was launched in response to requests from staff to support youth sports teams in their communities by funding new kits.
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Mr Wigley, who nominated the team, said: "I would like to extend my thanks to Royal Mail for generously sponsoring my son's football team.
"Seeing them proudly wearing the kit with the Royal Mail logo on fills me with pride, not only as a parent but as someone who has worked for Royal Mail for the last 23 years.
Read more: Tribute to legendary musician George Harrison coming to Swindon
"It's incredibly meaningful to see the company I have worked for all my adult life supporting the next generation in such a positive and inspiring way.
"Thank you for also making a real difference in the local community."
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The new kits feature the Royal Mail logo on the front of the shirts and will be worn by Stratton Juniors players during upcoming matches and tournaments.
The Kits 4 Kids scheme has so far supported 300 teams across the UK, with plans to continue the programme in future years.
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