STAYLEY Cricket Club’s junior section has a new sponsor.
HEH UK (high efficiency heating) are providing kits for the Under-9s as part of the package.
Andy Baxter, who runs the family firm, has been a long-standing supporter having lived in Millbrook.
He said: “I used to live around the corner and have seen the club grow.
“I have invested in apprentices in my company – we have taken on 14 since 2004 – and that is why I wanted to put some money into youth development.”
Stayley are relaunching their junior section and looking to start a women’s team with players needed for each.
The U9s are planning a signing-on night when restrictions are lifted. There will be no charge and each youngster will receive a free playing shirt and training top than to the sponsor.
HEH UK, which is based in Ashton, was formed in 2004 and specialises in gas boiler installation and repairs as well as renewable energies.
Andy, who has worked in the industry since 1979, has three generations of his family involved, wife Sharron, son Sean and grandson Jack who has just become an apprentice, among the 14 strong workforce.
He added there is a skills shortage in the UK which needs to be addressed which is why he invest in apprentices.
Andy is also carrying out some of the heating work in the ongoing renovation work being carried out on the clubhouse.
“We are delighted that Andy is sponsoring the U9s and helping with the development of the junior section and providing other support going forward,” explained Stayley president Steven Bird.
Steven also paid tribute to Stalybridge Electrical Services’ Gary Rothwell for doing the electrical work in the clubhouse for free.
As a thank you, Stayley are making him shirt sleeve sponsor for the U9s.