As the FIFA Women’s World Cup begins, excitement is building at our Merry Den supported living service in the Forest of Dean. Many of our colleagues and the people we support there are football fans and enjoy watching women’s football.

Since Merry Den became a proud player sponsor earlier in the year, they’ve especially taken a keen interest in the progress of local women’s team Cinderford Town Ladies F.C.

When Merry Den’s registered manager explored engagement opportunities with the Club, she knew how meaningful the sponsorship would be. Everybody at Merry Den was thrilled to hear about it and how they could be involved.

They were recently invited to a special sponsorship showcase day at the Club’s training facility. Ahead of the World Cup kick off, some attended a pre-season game this weekend and had a great time cheering the team on before proudly receiving their official sponsorship presentation.

Getting ready to watch the game

At the sponsorship presentation

The partnership is going well and has raised awareness of Merry Den to new audiences in the local area, even supporting with recruitment needs.

It has connected Merry Den to wider groups and has given the people we support focus as they root for their team and especially their sponsored player.

At National Care Group, we support our service-based colleagues to consider what sponsorships are important to them - they know their local area best.

The people we support being active in their local community is important to their progression and well-being and we are proud of the innovative ways our colleagues continue to engage with local groups and organisations.

National Care Group is also a proud match day and player sponsor of Women’s National League One North team, Middlesbrough Women’s F.C which is championed by National Care Group’s Quality Director, Mike Cleasby.