Tigers’ strike power earns new KCOM Kits for kids

DELIGHTED: Young footballers wear their new Kappa strips

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Hundreds of young footballers will have a striking new look this season after scoring new kits from Hull City and KCOM.

Thirty-five local kids’ football teams are the latest winners of the KCOM Kits scheme, which donates one full Kappa team kit to a youth team for every league goal the Tigers score at home.

Last season, City managed to put 35 goals past opposing keepers at the MKM Stadium, meaning 35 team kits are now winging their way to teams across Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Gilberdyke Phoenix Whites, AFC Tickton Nightingales, Hornsea Sporting, Beverley Town Broncos, Kingswood Vipers and Pelican United Blacks were among the lucky recipients.

Neil Bartholomew, KCOM consumer managing director, said: “We’re delighted that another 35 kids’ football teams right across the KCOM region will now be able to step out for the new season looking fantastic in their brand-new Kappa strips.

“Working alongside Hull City as their official community partner enables us to make a real difference to local grassroots sports and give youngsters real opportunities get involved in sport. Good luck to all the teams taking to the field in KCOM kits this season and good luck to the Tigers for their forthcoming Championship campaign.”

Grassroots youth football teams in Hull and its surrounding areas have had an extra reason to cheer on the Tigers since the KCOM Kits scheme started four years ago.

In that time, more than 150 local youth football teams have won brand new team strips – benefitting more than 2,000 aspiring young footballers. Hull City and KCOM, its official community partner, also have an extra special connection this year they celebrate their 120th anniversaries, with both having been founded in 1904.

This week, three of the winning teams visited the MKM stadium to receive their kits in person from City stars Matty Jacob and Harry Vaughan.

As part of the day, players from each team; East Riding Rangers U8s, Barton U-10s Girls and Scotter U-16s, were able to change in the Tigers’ matchday dressing room and have a look behind the scenes at the MKM.

Joe Clutterbrook, chief operating officer at Hull City, said: “The KCOM Kits scheme has been extremely rewarding and had an enormous impact on so many young footballers and grassroots teams in our region.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with KCOM and delighted that local teams have been able to benefit from the performance of our players on the pitch. Inspiring the next generation is vitally important and many youngsters will now be stepping out for the new season fully kitted out in their brand-new Kappa gear.

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to KCOM for their ongoing support.”

A spokesperson for Kappa said: “It’s fantastic to see a big Championship club and its community partner making such a big contribution to grassroots football. Kappa is delighted to be part of a scheme that looks to the future, helping and encouraging children right at the start of their football journeys.” 

Seven-year-old Oliver Gancarczyk, of East Riding Rangers U-8s, said he was loving his KCOM Kit, adding: “It was so exciting to come to the stadium today and seeing the trophies and the changing rooms and the pitch. My favourite part of today was everything!

“Our new kit is very cool. It will give me a good feeling to play with my team in it.”

Dane Grindell, manager of Cottingham-based East Riding Rangers U-8s, said: “It’s been a brilliant experience for the boys and it’s one of those things that will stay with them for the rest of their lives – seeing where their heroes play and where they get changed, it’s one of those experiences that money can’t buy.

“I think having a brand new kit like this, that they can all wear together with pride, will give them a sense of belonging and friendship which they will be able to carry with them onto the football pitch. It’s a great idea and we’re delighted to be part of it.”

Alex Houlton, of East Riding Rangers U-8s, who said: “Thank you for the best day ever! My favourite part was getting my new kit. It’s fantastic. Thank you KCOM!”

• If you would like to enter your youth football team into the drawer for the upcoming season’s KCOM Kits scheme, which starts on Saturday, click here.