Brockenhurst College academy sides attract new sponsors and launch new kits
BROCKENHURST College’s rugby and basketball academy sides have unveiled new kits sponsored by local businesses.
Three new sponsors have come forward – one a parent, one a former student and one a parent’s employer.
Isle of Wight-based headhunting company Ford Search Partners (FSP), which operates across the south, financed the new rugby kits.
FSP founder Gavin Ford is a big rugby fan who likes to support community projects and is a trustee of the Isle of Wight Sports Foundation, which encourages young people to participate in sports.
His son Josh Ford plays inside centre for the rugby academy’s first team and is cheered on by his father at every match.
Gavin Ford said: “The games are very entertaining because they are usually very close, and this team has really done a lot of bonding since coming together in September.
“They are now playing much more cohesively as a unit and are working harder than ever to support each other both on and off the field.”
Hythe-based phone and tablet repairs specialist LW Repairs now sponsors the basketball academy’s first team.
The firm is run by former Brockenhurst student Lewis Watson, 24, who used to play for the basketball academy.
He studied business, maths and computer science at the college before establishing his enterprise, which now employs three people.
Watson said: “Basketball at Brock is still very close to my heart because of all the good memories, and seeing my logo on the kit for the first time was a proud moment.
“I hear the current group is pushing forward hard this season and is heading for national competition, which is great news.”
Meanwhile, Ringwood-based men’s accessories firm Man & Bear now sponsors the basketball academy’s second team.
Tony Carr from Man & Bear said he was inspired to sponsor the team after hearing how an employee’s son was a member.
Carr added: “There are so many important life skills you can pick up by playing a sport, like figuring out how to work harder for each other and learning to trust one another.
“Of course, we hope they do well, but the main thing we want is for them to enjoy themselves.”
