Growing Grassroots Football Club Secures Funding to Help Almost 300 Children

Benson United Football Club is closing out the summer with something to celebrate beyond results on the pitch, after a £2,000 sponsorship from local housebuilder David Wilson Homes helped fund equipment, tournament entries and end-of-season events for almost 300 young players.

The club runs a sizeable youth programme, with teams from under-5s through to under-17s competing in the Oxfordshire Youth League. Based close to the Chiltern Grange housing development, Benson United used the funding to cover maintenance costs and player tournament entry fees across the season, before putting it toward end-of-season presentation events held throughout June, where every child received a trophy to mark their season.

Chairman Danny O'Driscoll pointed to the club's growth as much as the funding itself. "We are a growing club at Benson United with more members than ever, and nearly 300 children now representing the club," he said. "David Wilson Homes' support over the past few years has been fantastic and very much appreciated. Every child that has taken part this season has received an end of season trophy for their participation thanks to David Wilson Homes, which they have loved, especially the younger ones that are starting to fall in love with the game."

The partnership is a great example of what a sponsorship relationship can offer beyond the money itself. A club growing at this pace needs more than committed volunteers to keep pace with demand, and a local business willing to back it consistently over several seasons, rather than as a one-off gesture, gives a club the kind of stability that's harder to build through fundraising alone.

Campbell Gregg, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said the timing made the sponsorship particularly worthwhile. "With football fever remaining high thanks to the World Cup, it is more important than ever that young people have opportunities to get involved in the sport they love," he said. "Grassroots clubs provide so many benefits for children, from encouraging healthy lifestyles to helping them develop confidence, teamwork and friendships. We are proud to have played a part in supporting the club's players, coaches and volunteers, and we look forward to seeing Benson United continue to thrive."

More information on Benson United's teams is available on the club's website.