Young footballers at Laleham Juniors FC are celebrating a winning partnership with local insurance broker Howden Staines-upon-Thames, whose support has gone far beyond the pitch.
The partnership has involved sponsorship of team kits for two consecutive seasons, the launch and ongoing support of a Boot Swap scheme to reduce costs for families, and a special matchday visit to the Howden branch where players were celebrated as local heroes.
While parents pay monthly fees for their children to take part, the addition of football boots, travel costs and more can make it an expensive hobby. But Howden’s sponsorship of the kits has meant the financial cost has never been a barrier for any parent, allowing Laleham FC to have a completely inclusive approach so that any child can take part.
James Seals, Branch Manager at Howden Staines-upon-Thames said:
“At Howden, one of our core principles is Collective Power, which emphasises how all our individual talents can be combined to deliver the best results. We’re therefore delighted to sponsor Laleham FC, especially because supporting young players is about more than just sport – it’s about giving them confidence, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to thrive both on and off the pitch.
We’re also thrilled that we can also work together to help local families with a fun and sustainable scheme that makes sure everyone who wants to play football can do so, with our Boot Exchange. It can be a struggle to keep up with kids’ ever-growing feet, and having to buy new boots each time they need new ones. Combine this with increasing costs, and many parents and carers may find these expenses very difficult to manage.
The Boot Exchange is a free initiative, designed to help families by allowing them to donate football boots that are no longer needed but still in good condition, in exchange for another pair that suit their needs.
This approach has extended the life of the boots, reduced waste, and significantly cut costs for parents needing replacements for their children. It has been a particularly valuable idea through the cost-of-living crisis, with all age groups – from the Under 7s to the Under 16s – gathering enough donated boots to launch the scheme last year. Since then, the exchange has seen regular use, collectively saving families hundreds of pounds.
Jamie Palmer, Coach at Laleham FC said:
“Howden has proven they’re driven to make a difference in the local community. James and the team have been incredibly supportive of our Under 10s team.
Their sponsorship of our kits has meant no child is excluded due to financial barriers, and their Boot Exchange initiative has saved families hundreds of pounds while promoting sustainability.
“Our recent visit to the Howden branch was a highlight for our players – they were treated like celebrities, with their photos proudly displayed and staff engaging with them about their achievements. Our kids feel a great sense of pride in having the same sponsor as The British & Irish Lions and love the attention it brings when walking around in their kits with Howden visible across the front of their shirts. It’s rare to see a business so genuinely invested in its community. Howden really has gone above and beyond.”
Howden is committed to being a force for good in sporting communities across the UK and Ireland, supporting sport’s growth and sustainability from grassroots to the professional level.
Howden offers expert insurance broking services tailored to the needs of sports clubs and individuals alike. From personal lines to clubhouse insurance, Howden provides comprehensive coverage that helps clubs focus on what they do best – nurturing talent and fostering a love for the game.
Find out more about Laleham FC here and to learn more about Howden Insurance, simply give your local branch a ring or visit in person and speak with a member of the team.