A SOLIHULL football team has hit the training pitch in style, thanks to a new sponsor.
McCarthy Stone has thrown its support behind volunteer-run AFC Solihull, who play at Leafield Athletic Football Club on Rumbush Lane.
The £3,200 donation will pay for pre-match attire, warm-up kits and sponsorship boards.
Founded in 2012, AFC Solihull went through a major rebuild in 2021, having brought in Stefan Raymond as sporting director, who quickly appointed former Solihull Moors FC defender and Birmingham City FC community coach Joe Ballinger as first-team head coach.
For the 2024/25 season the team has been promoted to Midland League Division Two and will go head-to-head with the likes of Knowle, Birmingham United, and Earlswood Town.
AFC Solihull chairman Tim Delaney said: “Without the support and sponsorship of local businesses, such as McCarthy Stone, the club simply would not survive a single season and ultimately would have to cease existence.
“The cost to run the club for a single season is almost £10,000.
“However, this only accounts for things like the FA and match officials’ fees, player insurance, and post-match hospitality.
“It doesn’t include the cost of equipment or kit. We charge a very small admission fee for our home matches to help towards the running costs; however, truthfully, it’s merely a drop in the ocean.”
David Meachem, divisional sales director for McCarthy Stone, added: “We endeavour to help create a lasting, positive legacy, and we’re proud to now be able to support AFC Solihull and look forward to building our relationship with them further in the future.
“On behalf of the team at Wheatley Place, we’d like to wish them the best of luck ahead of the next season.”
