Managed247 is official sponsor of the U18 Marlow FC Girls football team

We’re delighted to announce that we’re now an official sponsor of the U18 Marlow FC Girls football team!

At Managed247, we understand that empowering rising stars is paramount for building future talent. It’s a key factor in the ongoing success of any business, and we’re absolutely committed to inclusion and fair opportunities for all. That’s why we’re so pleased to support Marlow in creating a platform that empowers young women and helps them develop the teamwork, skills and self-esteem for a successful future.

Old club, new sponsor

Formed in 1870, Marlow FC in Buckinghamshire is one of the country’s oldest football clubs. It’s noted for its pioneering role in the first ever FA Cup, which took place the following year, as well as for famously declining to join the Southern League and so remain amateur (Tottenham Hotspur joined instead). The only football club in England to have applied for FA Cup entry every year since its inception, Marlow has a fantastic foundation for developing young talent.

We have our Chief Technology Officer, Stephen Boardman, to thank for spearheading this sponsorship. When his daughter was unable to play football at her secondary school because it only catered to boys’ teams, it quickly became apparent that women and girls were often excluded from organised sport. Weeks of searching brought them to Marlow FC, which runs teams for both girls and boys on a voluntary basis, from Wildcats to U18 youth level.

Championing future talent

As a gender-balanced business, we know the value of equality at work and play first hand. That’s why we jumped at the chance to support this grassroots football team of budding young sportswomen, who are following in the footsteps of the Lionesses after their 2022 European Cup win.

The opportunity to bring together our values while shining a spotlight on female sporting talent was too good to miss. As our CEO John Pepper points out, there are parallels between the sporting and business world. “Like in business, sport can be an intimidating space for women,” he observes. “We are proud to support the team and encourage young women to build their skills and confidence early on.”

New kit, new identity

It’s encouraging to see that the sponsorship is already being put to good use in forging a sense of belonging on the team. “With this funding, we’ve been able to adopt a new female kit, picked by the girls,” says Charlie Collier, the team’s manager. “It’s a clear identity for the girls and shows they belong in the game as much as any other side.”

And as for our CTO Stephen… Outside his work at Managed247, he’s put his own footballing skills into practice by taking on a role as coach and now Assistant Manager for the team. “It’s a rewarding role that allows me to share my passion for the sport while breaking down barriers in women’s sport, creating a lasting positive impact both on and off the pitch for the girls,” he explains.

With Stephen’s volunteering and our sponsorship, it’s shaping up to be quite the dream team for Managed247!

Read more about Marlow FC’s women and girls here.