Appledore shipbuilders backing Sandymere Blues FC
GMB’s Appledore shipyard branch are backing Sandymere Blues FC for the new season by sponsoring their new kit.
The club was created in the 2019/20 season, with the aim of helping players to make the transition from youth football to adult level football in North Devon, with all players are under 18 years of age.
Last season the club were struggling to find a sponsor, with the manager resorting to painting numbers on last season for key cup games.
Despite the current closure of the historic shipyard, GMB members are keen to promote grassroots in the area. After hearing of the blues plight, the branch was pleased to sponsor teams new kit for the upcoming season and looking forward to backing the team this season.
On Saturday Sandymere, kicked off their pre-season with a friendly match against Bideford reserves, with GMB members branch being invited down to see the new kit and watch the game.
Stuart Corbett, team manager at Sandymere Blues FC said: “What we have created at Sandymere Blues is an opportunity to keep young men involved in the sport and regular exercise. The players we provide an outlet to are those that are either physically or psychologically not ready to join an adult team.
“Due to limited money available for sponsorship we had to play the first season, I had to ;aint numbers on the jerseys myself for some home and cup games!
“Thankfully someone at the youth club I coach at, mentioned the GMB Union were looking to help a local team. Being a Union man all my working career I gratefully accepted GMB’s generous donation, which contributed to a fantastic new Home kit.”
Jake Mclean GMB Appledore Branch secretary said: “We’re delighted to sponsor Sandymere who play just down the road from the yard.
“Despite our yard being closed we are always looking to help out in the community as much as we can.
“We’re passionate supporters of grassroots sport in the community. It gives everyone, no matter the ability, a chance to take part in sport which is not only good for physical fitness and mental fitness too”.
