Page 21 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.16 2020-21

“Communities that participate in sport and recreation develop strong social bonds, are
safer places and the people who live in them are generally healthier and happier than places
where physical activity isn’t a priority. The Bristol Road Playing field’s proposal is a pioneering
project that Bridgwater United FC with the help of Sedgemoor district council, will deliver a
fantastic community and varied sports facility and serve as a destination point that Bridgwater
and Somerset can be proud of.
“With the Football Club’s stadium vision underway and ownership secured, the
successful launch of the Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust and local support for this
going from strength to strength, and launch of the Bridgwater United’s youth Academies this
month, it is a very exciting time that I am proud to be part of.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Tim Mander and the SDC leadership
team, Bridgwater Town Council and all other relevant parties who are all determined to put the
Bridgwater community at the forefront of their agendas, for their valued commitment in
helping us towards achieving this fantastic vision for the community.”
Chief Operating Officer Ewan Greenhill remarked: “This is a landmark complex for
Bridgwater, Somerset, and the Country as a whole. Nowhere to our knowledge in the country
does a Sports Trust have its own facility to deliver its practical life changing sessions nor does
a football club operating anywhere in the Women’s Football Pyramid have its own ground and
training pitches. This complex will provide pioneering opportunities for all.”
Chairman Bob Buckingham added: “This announcement further reinforces our strong
commitment to our community and is another important milestone in what will, I am sure, be
an exciting and inspiring journey to our success, both on and off the field.”
Sedgemoor District Council provided the following statement: “Sedgemoor District
Council has been delighted to work with both Bridgwater United FC and the newly formed
Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust and is keen to support what is clearly an exciting
and innovative project. Clearly there is some way to go before the project is close to delivery but
the signs so far are very positive. The Council encourages the BUCST to continue to work with
the local community and awaits the submission of a planning application with much interest.”
Letters of support for this project have been received from The Football Association
(FA), Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP), Sparks Somerset, Bridgwater Foodbank,
Bridgwater & Taunton College, Association of Colleges (AOC) and many others.

Canada Life International has expanded its sponsorship of grassroots football in the Isle of
Man by committing to a further three-year deal, which includes the women’s game.
The financial solutions provider, which employs over 200 people at its Business Park
headquarters, has been a major sponsor of the men’s game since 2007. The new agreement will
be in place until the end of the 2024 season and includes the following: men’s Premier League;
Women’s Premier League; women’s FA Cup; Women’s Floodlit Cup; Women’s island team and
Player of the Month awards.
Canada Life’s Head of Talent and Organisation Development Vicki Hotchkiss,
commented: “We’re delighted to have expanded the long-standing sponsorship agreement we
have enjoyed with the IOMFA over the years, which is centred on our company commitment to
bring diversity and inclusion into all that we do. This view is shared with the IOMFA, which was
keen to find a sponsor for the women’s game with the expertise and desire to support their
ambition to provide equality of opportunity for all.”
President of the Isle of Man FA, Tony Mepham, added: “We’re delighted that Canada
Life International has further committed to Manx football, 14 years after signing its first
agreement with us. One of our main goals over the coming years is to develop women and girl’s
football and having a primary sponsor – one which shares our commitment to providing equal
opportunities for all – is a huge benefit.”
(Source: www.isleofmanfa.com)
Issue no. 16 - 6 May 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk