Thatcham Tornadoes celebrates charity partnerships with Newbury Soup Kitchen and Daisy’s Dream
A town football club is embracing two new charity partnerships.
Back in March, parents and coaches joined forces to raise money to purchase a new kit for Thatcham Tornadoes U9 Tigers.
In the absence of a sponsor, the team decided to highlight the work done by Newbury Soup Kitchen, which supports vulnerable and homeless people in the locality.
Coaches Alex Myers and Russell Lobb say they were delighted when Newbury Soup Kitchen founder and general manager Meryl Praill agreed to sport the charity’s logo on the front of their match day shirts.
“It has made us very proud indeed,” she said.
“The shirts look fabulous and I hope the logo and the story behind it will spur Team Tigers on and give them extra support and enthusiasm through the winter months to achieve their football dreams.”
Opus Accounting has also joined as a sponsor for Thatcham Tornadoes U9 Lions.
The team are now wearing their new kit featuring the Opus logo on the front of their shirts.
And the sponsorship has also stretched to buy training jackets and a portable goal.
Established in 2010, the accountancy firm provides services to a number of businesses and personal clients.
The company said it was delighted to support a local grassroots football team and wishes the team the best of luck for the season ahead.
The Thatcham Tornadoes U10 Girls team also debuted its new charity kit.
After a successful fundraiser led by Aaron Burns — whose December 10K a Day fundraiser helped provide new kits for both teams after the Lionesses and Tigers teams struggled to secure a sponsor — the team decided to raise awareness for Daisy’s Dream, which supports children and young people who have been affected by bereavement.
Daisy Dream's CEO Laura Lewis recently visited the team and joined a training session.
She said: “Having the girls raise awareness for Daisy’s Dream is incredible.
“One in 19 children will experience bereavement, and knowing that Daisy’s Dream is here to help can make all the difference. The girls' efforts will truly spread the word."
