Local Business Invests in Future of Community Football
A Formby optician has stepped up to support the next generation of footballers with a significant sponsorship deal. Specsavers Formby has pledged £1,200 to the local Formby Wanderers junior football club, providing a vital cash injection for new team kits.
New Kits for Young Players
The sponsorship comes as a welcome boost for the club, which had not been able to outfit its players in new kits for several years. The funding has enabled the purchase of brand-new shirts for multiple teams across the club, catering to children aged between six and 14. The Specsavers branding will be prominently displayed on both the back and sleeve of each shirt.
Zetun Arif, the ophthalmic director at Specsavers Formby, explained the business's motivation. "As a locally owned and run business, we’re really proud to support Formby Wanderers and the fantastic work they do for local children," he said. "Grassroots football is such an important part of our community — it builds confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. We hope our contribution helps the teams play with pride and enjoy their football even more this season."
Fostering Pride and Identity
The impact of the sponsorship extends far beyond the physical kits. Tom Fletcher, a coach at Formby Wanderers, expressed immense gratitude for the support. "We’re incredibly grateful to Specsavers Formby for their generous support," Fletcher stated. "Many of our players have been part of the club for years and, with us adding teams to the club, it’s great to have every team playing in the same kit."
He highlighted how the new uniforms help solidify the team's spirit. "It helps to give the players of our club an identity and helps them feel like they are part of the club. It’s amazing to see the pride on their faces when they put the kits on."
This kind of local business support is crucial for the sustainability of grassroots sports. Fletcher pointed out that kitting out teams is one of the most expensive aspects of running a club. This sponsorship directly helps keep football affordable and accessible for all children in the Formby community, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation.
For those interested in joining the Formby Wanderers, the club can be contacted via their Facebook group.
