Shropshire businesses save county football team

Andy Robinson, of Robinson’s Valeting Services, and Andy Lawrence, of Hometyre, will sponsor the 2012/13 season kit and rainjackets for the Charles Darwin Football Club.

Scott Bishop, of the team based at the Charles Darwin Pub in Sutton Farm, Shrewsbury, said it is extremely difficult to keep a local team running due to the costs.

He said: “It currently cost about £1,000 before a local Sunday league football team even kick a ball. It is inspirational that, even in these hard times, local businesses can go the extra mile to help.

“Pitch fees, FA fees and insurance are just a few of the costs that have to be paid out at the very beginning and the need to do fundraisers is a must.

“The Charles Darwin recently held a Horse Race Night and the club managed to raise just enough to cover the necessary debts. On this evening Andy Robinson of Robinson’s Valeting Services in Shrewsbury attended the fundraiser and very kindly offered to help us out by sponsoring our club with a much-needed kit.

“Then when Andy Lawrence, of Hometyre, heard of the club’s need for an injection of funds he kindly offered to sponsor the club with rain-jackets – which are also much-needed with our British weather.

“Hopefully now the club can focus on getting the next win and aim to get promoted back into the Premier League.”

An official hand over was held on September 30 at the Charles Darwin Pub to receive the new kit and jackets and personally thank the two businesses for their generosity.

“We cannot thank both Andy Lawrence of Hometyre and Andy Robinson of Robinson’s Valeting Services enough,” added Mr Bishop.

“We are looking forward to returning the support they have shown us, starting with the charity ball being hosted by Robinson’s Valeting Services at the Wroxeter Hotel on December 1 in aid of the Severn Hospice.”

For more information on the Charity ball please contact Kerry Robinson on rakaz@btinternet.com