PROTEX Supports New Community Initiative

PROTEX is pleased to announce its involvement in a brand new community initiative for Redditch.

On 21 November we officially became sponsors of a charitable project set up by Redditch United Football Club to positively influence the lives of people living in our local area.

At the beginning of October, the club’s team manager, former Aston Villa player Darren Byfield, officially launched a charitable arm of the club called Redditch United in the Community. PROTEX is proud and delighted to be named its first corporate sponsor.

The purpose of this new trust will be to tackle issues in the local community including reducing antisocial behaviour and crime, reducing health inequalities and, increasing social inclusion and participation in sports activity. Furthermore, it hopes to provide educational support to increase employability of young people.

The trust will work in partnership with West Mercia Police, Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, the Fire Service, Redditch Council and other key local partners in order to achieve its aims.

The inspiration for the venture came from the success of a satellite club scheme that was launched by Redditch United for young people back in the spring. Following its popularity, a second satellite club was set up in the summer. These clubs now have more than 30 children regularly attending weekly evening football sessions at two local schools.

The club aims to roll out the satellite scheme to other areas in Redditch with help of funding from PROTEX. At present, two further clubs are in the pipeline for the New Year. It is eventually hoped to expand the project in ways that will benefit all sectors of the community.

PROTEX’s Managing Director, Howard Cooke said:

“When we heard about the beneficial impact this initiative has had on children in terms of building self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as enhancing physical wellbeing, PROTEX was keen to get involved. We’ve become sponsors because we felt that it’s vital to keep this momentum going and get more young people positively engaged in sport.”

“We enjoyed an association with Redditch United as shirt sponsors a while back and this project provides a great opportunity re-establish our relationship. The football club is a vital part of the community and PROTEX looks forward to actively contributing to this worthwhile project for as long it continues.”

These satellite clubs are specifically targeted at young people aged 14 to 19 and designed to provide them with positive role models and enjoyable sporting experiences to encourage them – amongst other things - to become physically active. The clubs get an initial 30 weeks of funding from Sports England but in order to become sustainable in the longer term, need to attract the additional support of corporate sponsors like PROTEX is able to provide.

As a manufacturer, PROTEX and its associated companies have been part of the Redditch work-scene for over 80 years. We are based in the heart of Redditch and our workforce is predominately local. It therefore feels right to give something back to our local area and we hope that other local businesses pledge their support too.

Redditch United General Manager, David Tittershill, said:

“It is great to have PROTEX on-board with Redditch United in the Community. Like the club, PROTEX has the town at heart, and the ability to make a positive impact within the town. By working with individuals and other groups, we feel we will be able to help tackle social and health issues and we are very grateful for its support in what is an exciting time ahead.”

For further information about Redditch United in the Community please contact David Tittershall on 01527 67450