Skipton Juniors Under 16 Girls have received a brand-new football kit thanks to sponsorship from Soroptimist International Ilkley.
Skipton Juniors Under 16 Girls have received a brand-new football kit thanks to sponsorship from Soroptimist International Ilkley.
The Ilkley-based organisation, which supports women and girls through education and opportunities, has funded the team's new playing kit for the current season.
The sponsorship is part of the group's ongoing commitment to supporting young women and girls in the local community.
Skipton Juniors FC currently has 32 teams across different age groups, playing matches on Saturdays and Sundays.
Matthew Cox, coach of Skipton Juniors Under 16 Girls, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Soroptimist International Ilkley for its generous sponsorship and support for our team.
“The girls absolutely love their new kit.
"It has given them a real sense of pride and togetherness, and you can see the added confidence it gives them when they step onto the pitch.
“What makes this partnership particularly meaningful to us is the strong connection between the vision and mission of Soroptimist International and those we try to promote within our team and across Skipton Juniors.
“We want every girl to have the confidence and opportunity to fulfil her potential, both individually and as part of the team.”
Matthew, who has spent 12 years coaching grassroots junior football, said the sport plays an important role in helping young players develop confidence and friendships.
He added:
“It gives girls an environment where they can express themselves, develop their skills, support one another and build friendships that extend well beyond the pitch.
“We’re proud to wear the Soroptimist International name on our kit and we’re hugely grateful to the Ilkley club for investing in our players.”
Rachel Laidler, from Soroptimist International Ilkley, said the group had received a strong response when it approached the community about supporting a girls' football team.
She said:
“Watching the World Cup reminded us of the benefits for all in sports.
“Soroptimists are a female-focused organisation and we approached the local community to ask what we could help a girls’ football team with.
“We were overwhelmed with requests but the strong sense of inclusivity and leadership from Skipton stood out.
“Getting to chat to the girls this season, and to see their love of their club and sport is wholesome and rewarding.
“I would urge anyone who can help other teams to invest in our young people!”
Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer organisation which works to improve opportunities for women and girls.
Anyone interested in joining the Ilkley group can contact Matthew Cox at mcox79@gmail.com, who will pass their details on to the organisation.
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