Raglan youngsters take to the pitch with help from local businesses

YOUNGSTERS playing for Raglan Junior Football Club will be taking to the pitch this season thanks to support from local businesses.

The Station Road-based club has launched a new tots football section, meaning it now has teams for boys and girls from under sixes to under 15s.

And to help support the youth teams, five local businesses have teamed up with Raglan Junior Football Club.
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The club’s chairman, Owen Batty, said: “I’m absolutely delighted in what has been a difficult year for many that we have received so much support from a wide section of the business community in Monmouthshire.

“These businesses’ contributions mean our children can pull on the shirt on a Sunday morning and be part of a team. That really is priceless.

“We have also had a long term relationship with Andrew Watkins of Raglan Village Shop who has supported the club over many years.

“I would like to publicly thank each business for their support in keeping boys and girls playing football in Raglan.”

The under eights have teamed up with local accountants MWR, who agreed a two-year sponsorship deal.

Gavin Watkins, of MWR, said: “Supporting children’s football in Raglan is a fantastic opportunity for our firm.

“It’s great to see our business on the front and numbers on the back of the shirts, perfect for accountants.”

The under nines team have been sponsored by Blackhouse Travel.

Owner Paul Watkins said: “Supporting children to be active and making friends on and off the pitch is a delight and being part of the community is very important to us.”

The under 10s have signed a deal with Monmouth-based Monnow Eye Care.

“We had our sights set on supporting our local communities and are proud to be helping Raglan under 10s take to the pitch in style,” said Helen Tilley.

The under 12s have secured funding from Raglan Country Estate – a new neighbour for the club on Station Road.

Amber Evans, from Raglan Country Estate, said: “The children of Raglan are the future of the community and building a solid relationship with the football club is important as Raglan Country Estate grows and develops into a hospitality and tourism location.”

The under 13s girls side has teamed up with local hairdressers Andrew Bayliss.

Mr Bayliss said: “Supporting the girls to play football in our local village is a fantastic opportunity and we cannot wait to watch them cutting through their opponent’s defence.

“Keeping children active is a fantastic way to support the community.”