HYDE’S sporting teams have benefitted from the controversial Godley Green Garden Village plan with sponsorship agreements with its master developer.
For MADE Partnership has agreed to become the new shirt sponsor for the training kit of Hyde United FC’s women’s team and will sponsor the score box for Hyde Cricket and Squash Club at its ground on Werneth Low Road.
More than 2,000 new homes are proposed to be built in the town, but the joint venture between Barratt Redrow plc, Homes England, and Lloyds Banking Group has showed its willingness to connect with the community.
Hyde Cricket Club – a mainstay of the Cheshire County Premier League with 12 teams, four senior, seven junior and a new ladies’ team – has welcomed the sponsorship, which will help with its ambitions to develop grass roots cricket.
“Building on success doesn’t just require a sustained focus and commitment, but also resources to develop the infrastructure needed to encourage more of our community to participate in sport,” said chairman John Buckley.
“Every penny of this funding will have a positive impact on our members and visitors and I’m grateful to MADE Partnership for its backing.”
Hyde United FC’s women’s team are the reigning Greater Manchester Women’s Football League joint-champions.
And Angela Hartley, director of junior football at the club, says the sponsorship will help inspire a new generation of girls to make the journey towards elite sport.
She said: “We are extremely grateful for the generous sponsorship of our training wear and aim to build a strong and lasting partnership with MADE for many years to come.
“Our highly successful women’s team has become a pivotal part of the football club, playing a key role in supporting and driving the growth of our girls’ section. Support like this helps us continue to develop and inspire the next generation of female players.”
Each sponsorship package will enable the clubs to invest in their infrastructure to boost the quality of training and match-day facilities.
And Kate McClean, head of planning at MADE Partnership, said: “Our focus is on developing and supporting communities and these are the first steps in our relationships with both clubs that will strengthen their ability to support women’s and young people’s sports participation.
“When we approached the clubs to explore how we might help we were delighted to see their commitment to girls’ and women’s sports development.”
Commenting on the support, Tameside Council leader, Councillor Eleanor Wills, said: “It’s great to see MADE, the master developer for Godley Green Garden Village, building early relationships with the community, particularly via our sports clubs, which play such an important part in family life.”
Councillor Andrew McLaren, deputy leader, added: “Forging these kinds of relationships with local grass roots sports clubs will be vital to the successful integration of new families into the wider community and will be a positive boost in membership for both Hyde United Football Club and Hyde Cricket and Squash Club.”