Under 7s football team carry on playing thanks to help of Sheffield and Rotherham businesses

A Sheffield football team wants to thank the local businesses who have helped them throughout these unprecedented times, as it has enabled them to continue playing the sport they love.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Sheffield Rangers Under 7s played their first home game last weekend - their first season in grassroots football.

Jayne West, of Time for Tea - a cafe on Burncross Road, Sheffield - and Craig Short, the director of Yorkshire Supplies - a Rotherham based cleaning products supplier - are believed to have played a big part in that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thomas Fowler, head coach of Sheffield Rangers U7s, said: “Grassroots football is struggling financially, and with the current economic uncertainty surrounding us all, we must really be considerate when raising money and asking for donations.

L-R: players Alfie West and Rocco Parr (Jayne's nephews) with Milo Fowler, pictured outside Time for Tea.L-R: players Alfie West and Rocco Parr (Jayne's nephews) with Milo Fowler, pictured outside Time for Tea.
L-R: players Alfie West and Rocco Parr (Jayne's nephews) with Milo Fowler, pictured outside Time for Tea.

“However, thanks to Jayne and Craig we have managed to purchase all the essentials required for the new football season.”

Time for Tea’s sponsorship has allowed the team to get rain jackets for the upcoming season while sponsorship from Yorkshire Supplies has meant the team could buy the team’s away kits.

Thomas would also like to thank Julie Gamble who runs the Jubilee Club on Clay Wheels Lane, as this has enabled the Sheffield Rangers to train throughout the summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He told how their football team were ‘very lucky’ to receive such support from the community in the current times.

L-R: players Milo Fowler, and Rocco Parr and Alfie West (Jayne's nephews), pictured outside Time for Tea.L-R: players Milo Fowler, and Rocco Parr and Alfie West (Jayne's nephews), pictured outside Time for Tea.
L-R: players Milo Fowler, and Rocco Parr and Alfie West (Jayne's nephews), pictured outside Time for Tea.

Thomas explained: “Jayne owns and runs the local cafe and has had to adjust to the demanding situation what Covid-19 has thrown at her and her business, however she has still had the generosity to offer to sponsor the Sheffield Rangers Under 7s.”

He believes giving young people the chance to play football is not only beneficial for them physically, but mentally too.

Thomas added: “The kids have been training all summer, played plenty of friendly games and I feel not only has it kept them outside playing in the fresh air, but has supported their mental health, social well-being and kept them off the electronics.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He and fellow coach Richard Kendall believe the support from local businesses and the support from the parents of players, has made their job ‘extremely rewarding’.

The Sheffield Rangers Under 7s team - Back: Alfie West, Thomas Kendall, Lucas Harris, Milo Fowler; Middle: Bobby Short (arms out), Parker Goodson, Finley Yates (arms folded); Front: Rocco Parr and Freddie Wharton.The Sheffield Rangers Under 7s team - Back: Alfie West, Thomas Kendall, Lucas Harris, Milo Fowler; Middle: Bobby Short (arms out), Parker Goodson, Finley Yates (arms folded); Front: Rocco Parr and Freddie Wharton.
The Sheffield Rangers Under 7s team - Back: Alfie West, Thomas Kendall, Lucas Harris, Milo Fowler; Middle: Bobby Short (arms out), Parker Goodson, Finley Yates (arms folded); Front: Rocco Parr and Freddie Wharton.

Thomas said: “We have a great team bond, and all the kids have a close friendship.

“They are loving their new hobby and with the new kit they can walk out proud, looking like the true little football stars they are.”

Jayne, who also happens to be the aunt of two of the players - Rocco and Alfie - has watched the Sheffield Rangers train every week over the summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Knowing that the team was playing their first game of the season, she wanted to make sure they looked the part with their kit.

She said: “We just wanted to make sure they looked good and help them out.”

Jayne, who runs Time for Tea with her sister, said: “We just wanted to help out - it’s difficult in the current circumstances with fundraising etc.

“We enjoy watching them play.”

Sheffield Rangers will play their next game at the Thorncliffe SGP at High Green on Saturday, October 17.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you.

Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Related topics: