Football mad youngsters score with new sponsors

Published by Gareth Holmes for Sanctuary Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

Promising young Redknapps have been decked out in a fantastic footie kit thanks to their new sponsors, Hartshorne Court sheltered housing scheme in Dawley, Telford.

Gone are the youngsters’ old kits and in their place has arrived a brand new strip that’s fit for action-packed tackles and diving goals.

This sponsorship celebrates the work of Paul Johnson, who coaches the Randlay Colts under 10s team.  Volunteer chef Paul has been cooking up a storm at the Sanctuary Housing scheme for over three years and has become a much-loved member of the Hartshorne Court community.

When hearing of the sponsorship opportunity from Paul, scheme manager, Vivienne Chalmers, encouraged members of the Hartshorne Court lunch club to show their support.

All 32 members of the lunch club – from 20-year-old Stacey who comes to visit her

Nan, to 90-year-old Lucy Small – immediately jumped at the chance to back the youngsters.  A donation of £150 was given to the team to cover the cost of the brand new football strip. 

Vivienne Chalmers, scheme manager at Hartshorne Court, said: “Paul provides such a valuable service to the scheme.  It is not just about cooking a dinner but giving the whole community a social event to look forward to. 

“He visits tenants who are housebound and offers support around the scheme.  Whenever there is a function, Paul and his mother-in-law Pat cater for the event and often bring helpers in from the rest of the family to serve and wash up! 

“The lunch club is completely self-funded and Paul receives no payment for his hard work.  We are very grateful for all he does.” 

Carolyn Hughes, Sanctuary’s older persons service manager, added: “It is fantastic to see the whole community coming together to show support for these talented youngsters.”