From national inspiration to local impact: OurCoop supports Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC

One year on from launching a campaign to support grassroots girls’ football, OurCoop is celebrating the lasting impact of its sponsorship of Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC.

The campaign was launched following the Lionesses’ success on the international stage, with OurCoop committing to sponsor 11 grassroots girls’ football teams across its trading estate. Among the successful teams was Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC, whose players are now proudly taking to the pitch in an OurCoop-sponsored kit.

The initiative was created to encourage more girls to get and stay involved in football, and demonstrate the power of community investment in grassroots sport. One year on, Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC is continuing to grow, with the new kit helping to give players a sense of pride and belonging while easing financial pressures on families and the club.

Hannah Galimore, Social Change Manager at OurCoop, said: "The success of the Lionesses last year was a brilliant reminder of the power of sport to inspire the next generation, and we wanted to turn that inspiration into meaningful support in the communities we serve.

“Last year's grassroots sponsorship campaign wasn't just about providing a new kit, it was about giving young people the confidence to get involved, stay active and feel part of a team.

"It's fantastic to see Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC wearing their OurCoop kit with pride a year on. As a co-operative, we're committed to supporting opportunities that help young people thrive and strengthen the communities we serve."

Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC was nominated and finally selected by OurCoop members, who were invited to champion deserving grassroots teams in their local communities. The sponsorship recognised clubs that demonstrated strong community spirit, inclusivity and a commitment to developing young players.

Nick Oliver, Head of Girls & Ladies Football at Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC said: “We cannot thank OurCoop enough. Stapenhill Girls & Ladies is a not-for-profit football club ran completely by volunteers, centred around girls aged 5 to adult ladies. In order to keep football accessible for all who want to play, we need to keep Subs low, which is getting harder in a world of constant rising costs.

“Having companies such as OurCoop get involved in communities to help provide equipment and kit to teams, really helps clubs like ours to continue providing the services to their communities, and most importantly allows the girls to play a sport they all love and remain active.”

The investment forms part of OurCoop's wider commitment to supporting young people, promoting healthier lifestyles and investing in grassroots community initiatives. Across the Society, OurCoop continues to work alongside local groups, schools and charities to create opportunities that have a lasting impact.

With football once again capturing the nation's imagination this summer, OurCoop hopes stories like Stapenhill Girls & Ladies FC’s will inspire even more young people to pull on their boots, join a local team and discover the benefits of sport.