BRANTHAM Athletic have pulled off a coup after Kensington Mortgages agreed to launch their community football programme with a lucrative three-year deal to sponsor the ambitious Ridgeons League Premier Division club.

As London-based mortgage lenders Kensington’s first participating club, Brantham demonstrated their commitment to providing coaching and facilities to develop young talent, encouraging children in the local area to play football and run a sustainable and community-focussed club across a number of age groups.

Kensington will now work with Brantham to help develop their community programme, with a number of subsidised coaching sessions and special events throughout the year.

Alex Hammond, PR, brand and communications manager at Kensington, said: “Football in this country is moving in the wrong direction, with too much money at the top of the game and very little for grass roots clubs who are really making a difference to their communities.

“We want to help clubs that work hard, on limited budgets, to create opportunity for children and young adults, and Brantham Athletic have demonstrated this commitment in abundance.

“We are really excited about working together to increase the club’s links with the community, and we and hope to roll out our community football programme to other clubs around the country in the not-too distant future.”

Brantham chairman Peter Crowhurst said: “We believe that football has the ability to unify communities by bonding all age, race, gender and social groups with a common sense of purpose.

“Football holds a unique attraction and relevance to people.

“A club such as ours provides the platform to improve football skills, help players graduate through the game and build lifetime friendships.

“Importantly, we believe that good coaching can fulfill a mentoring and character building capacity, developing the role models and good citizens of the future.

“We have a five-year plan that includes achievement of FA Community Football Club status, improving our facilities and sustaining ourselves as a step five club.

“Kensington’s Initiative has provided us with the support, the lifeblood and advice we need to plan and meet these targets.

“We are extremely grateful that we have been chosen to pilot this programme.”