As the 2024 Euros runs towards its last few matches, leading building products manufacturer Forterra has given financial aid to a number of grassroots football clubs up and down the country, including one in Nottinghamshire

Forterra has donated £1,000 across five different clubs to aid their growth and development. Rossington Main Football Club, Ollerton Town Football Club, Ibstock United Junior Football Club, Thatcham Harries Blue under 13's and Tamworth Football Club have all benefited from the donation.

Rossington Main Football Club, the most northerly of the five situated near Doncaster, will use the donation towards the construction of its clubhouse. They are currently rejuvenating a derelict building to a working space for the team to use with the donation paying for external cladding to prolong the life of the building.

Similarly, Ollerton Town Football Club in Nottinghamshire will make ground improvements to help maintain the existing pitches and create new ones for the growing teams. From having no junior teams to now having seven, the extra space will enable each team to have the appropriate facilities which will support its training programme.

Daniel Linstrum, Rossington Main Football Club Chairman, said, “The donation from Forterra is fantastic, as a grassroots club we rely on donations to maintain our programmes so any aid towards our funding is appreciated. It's so important that our teams have a safe clubhouse they can meet and socialise in.”

Ibstock United Junior Football Club, near Leicester, and Thatcham Harries Blue under 13's, the most southerly of the clubs on the outskirts of London near Newbury, are both putting the funds towards new kits and training gear. Kitting the teams in professional gear boosts team morale, builds a sense of belonging and provides them with the appropriate clothing to play at their best.

Robert Lyons, Coach of the Thatcham Harriers Blue under 13's in Thatcham said, “We can't thank Forterra enough for the donation. It goes a long way to helping get the lads kitted out. As we look towards next season after the summer break it's important they have the right gear especially in the winter months. It will be fantastic to see them looking smart and ready to score.”

Focused on developing the technology available at its club, Tamworth Football Club, close to Birmingham, will be using the donation to aid the development of its under 14s team by investing the funds in a portable Veo sports camera driven by AI. The camera can be used for sports filming that provides important feedback to the young academy group allowing them to watch games back to tailor training sessions and look at match stats throughout the season to develop game plans.  

Adam Smith, Commercial Director at Forterra said, “With the Euros underway it's been fantastic to support an array of local football clubs. Football plays a huge role in many peoples lives as a community building sport where everyone rallies behind a unified team. It's great to see young people engaged and excited about sport and thrive in a safe supportive environment. We look forward to seeing the clubs expand their outreach and provide quality training for their teams.”