Another benefit is the shared ethos we have with the team of volunteers who manage the Ickenham Youth Football Club. We all appreciate that teamwork influences and shapes lives from an early age.

Working as part of a team, as the entire club do: sharing responsibilities, supporting and caring about others; are attributes that demonstrate a positive ‘can do’ attitude to the kids.

And they learn from this. It will, without doubt, serve them well in later life; because there aren’t many employers who wouldn’t recognise the many benefits participating in sport as a child can have on an employee.

From the people who matter

Established in 2006, the club has grown considerably. It now accommodates youngsters aged between four and 17, with a new under five-level group being added each year. This is all managed by an incredible team of volunteers – over 100 of them at the last count!

The IYFC describe what they do as focussing on the development of a player’s technical ability and character, in a safe and fun environment with the emphasis on participation. And they’re getting that right.

Alongside the commitment of those volunteers, sponsorship is the lifeblood that enables the group to continue providing this valuable resource to around 500 kids each year. Which is another reason we knew this sponsorship opportunity was one not to be missed.

Here’s what one player says of his experience with the club:

I’m so proud to play for IYFC because the coaches really believe in me and we have a great team. I have only been with the team for one season so I can’t believe the boys voted for me but it made me so proud and my year so special and confirmed what a great decision I made joining Ickenham.

Aaron Soady-Fleming – Players’ Player of the Year 2019/20

Aaron’s comment sums up his sheer pride and sense of belonging, which is what involvement in sport should be about.

We asked another award-winning young player why he loves to play for his team. Here’s what he said:

I feel extremely honoured to be awarded the Parents Player Of the Year Award in this unprecedented season we have had. This has given me motivation, joy and dedication to prove it was worth picking me. I will be giving 100% again next season so I can add to my trophy cabinet.

Arun Tamber – Parents Player of the Year 2019/20

Arun has been playing for IYFC since the age of five and last year received his 100th cap for the club. He told us about how amazing it feels to put on his boots, knowing he’s part of a team with so much community spirit. Playing for IYFC gives him and his team members confidence, team spirit and sportsmanship and he ‘cherishes the chance he’s been given’.

How could we not want to be part of that?

Encourage their interest in sport as soon as you can

Not all kids can be sporting superstars, but we can help them develop the skills to impact their future positively. That can be done on the football field, on the track or in the water. For example, we’ve written previously about how swimming can improve health. You can read the article here.

Start them young and not only will they stay fit and healthy but the skills learnt through sports and working as a team could increase their ability to become a more accomplished and confident young adult and integrate into the workplace more easily.

And in case you’re beginning to wonder, our sponsorship does not mean we’re preparing the entire Ickenham Youth Football Team for future employment at Buckingham Pools!

Although…

If you want to learn more about Ickenham Youth Football Club take a look here.