A community-owned football club in Bedfordshire has secured a fresh look for the upcoming season after netting a sponsorship deal with a local housebuilder. Barratt Homes has provided funding for brand-new home and away strips for Dunstable Town Women FC. The club is based close to the developer's Linmere site in Houghton Regis, and the support reflects the company's commitment to grassroots sport.
Growth of women's football
The investment comes during a period of significant growth for the women's game across the UK. Recent figures show that 90 per cent of schools now offer girls equal access to football, hitting a nationwide target ahead of schedule. Interest in the sport has continued to surge following the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Final at Wembley. The success of the Lionesses has inspired a new generation of players, contributing to a five per cent increase in women participating in football compared to pre-tournament levels.
Community impact beyond the pitch
Beyond the pitch, Dunstable Town FC champions mental and physical health through its Improving the Lives of Others programme, supporting 120 people weekly across eight community groups. Building on this impact, the club delivers the #YouAreEnough programme, empowering clubs to train mental health ambassadors and provide vital mental health first aid support. The donation comes from The Barratt Redrow Foundation, the housebuilder's charity partnership, which supports children, young people and those most disadvantaged across the UK.
Quotes from partners
Marc Woolfe, sales and marketing director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: "The Lionesses’ success in recent years has seen an increase in the numbers of women and girls joining local football teams, so we are hugely excited to be sponsoring Dunstable Town Women’s FC. We can’t wait to see the team in their new kits, and wish them luck in their upcoming games."
Luke Mitchell, director of youth section and youth development at Dunstable Town Women FC, added: "The success of the Lionesses has undoubtedly brought women’s football into the spotlight. While the attention is welcomed, it’s financial support like this that enables us to support women and girls in the football community - both fans and players. Funding new kits is a great way to back our team, giving our players that extra boost of pride as they take to the field next season."
