Newcastle Benfield Juniors FC Girls Under-14s have secured sponsorship from Lumo, the UK's most budget friendly rail operator. The team, based in Walkergate, are now wearing a brand new kit embossed with the Lumo logo.
Coach Denis Dunn says the partnership with Lumo will help increase visibility of girls' football, which he believes is still overlooked and in desperate need of funding. The 11-aside team played in their new strip for the first time at the weekend, beating Gateshead Rutherford Youth Swifts 6-1 on their pitch at Sam Smiths Park.
Players 'over the moon' with new kit
Denis, 69, says the players are "over the moon" with their kit which includes black hoodies emblazoned with the club's crest and Lumo logo. It's the first time the team, managed by Darren Thorn, has had sponsorship for its away strip.
Denis, whose granddaughter Evie Pickering plays for Sunderland AFC Under 21s, said: "The girls are absolutely delighted with their new kits and hoodies. They are over the moon.
"It's not about us, the coaches, it's about the girls, who put their heart and soul into playing football. We have some brilliant, talented girls on our team who work hard to be the best they can, and they deserve this.
"We've never had sponsorship for an away strip before, so this is an important development. It's especially exciting because Lumo is such a major company, operating on a national scale.
"It will really help with visibility and recognition, not just for our team, but for girls' football in general. I understand Lumo is working to support greater inclusion in sport, and we're really grateful to benefit from that."
Sponsorship brings confidence and team spirit
Denis, who trained as a stonemason and served in the Royal Logistic Corps for 24 years, is passionate about girls football and helping his players to fulfil their potential. His daughter in law Kelly Dunn, a customer experience team manager at Lumo, introduced Denis to the firm's partnerships team after recognising the challenges girls' football is facing.
The grandfather, who also helps coach Newcastle Benfield San Siro Girls Under 10's, added: "Sadly, girls' football is still left behind and treated as secondary to boys' football. It receives less investment, attention, and media coverage, even after the success of England's women's team.
"Girls have to work much harder to prove themselves, which can actually make them excellent players. To me, it's a sad reflection of our culture. We think girls can't play football, but they can be better than the boys.
"I watch girls tackle harder than some guys tackle. Some guys will lie down and complain. I've seen girls work hard and and put the effort in.
"My granddaughter Evie is a very talented football player and is looking to go to America in 2028. She's 17 and I am very proud of her, but it saddens me there aren't as many opportunities in this country for girls. That's why Lumo's approach of inclusion and the championing of women in sport is so important."
Assistant coach Steven Reichal and Darren, 40, both have daughters who play for the team. Darren, dad to Ava, 13, said: "I started coaching when the team had no kit whatsoever and had to scrap around other teams to look halfway coordinated.
"Sponsorship from Lumo has not only made the girls look the part, it has also taken a huge weight off the coaches shoulders as we do not have to rely on other teams old kit, or remember to take bibs in case of a kit clash. We have girls with very little experience in football before joining Benfield and girls who decided to join from other teams.
"Some are very shy to begin with but often grow to become confident and assured in their abilities. The team spirit on match days is excellent. The parents get on well with each, and so do the girls, so there's a real family atmosphere."
The new away strip is light blue in colour, with matching socks and black shorts. Meanwhile, the goalkeeper's kit is bright green.
Phil Mann, 54, daughter to player Harriet, 12, who scored on Saturday, added: "A huge thank you to our new sponsors for their generous support of the girls football team this season. The new kit looks incredibly professional and has given the girls a real boost in confidence and team spirit.
"Your support means a great deal and helps to create a positive and inspiring environment for everyone involved."
Lumo delighted to support the team
Richard Salkeld, director of communications at Lumo, said: "We're delighted to support Newcastle Benfield Juniors Under-14 Girls and provide them with a kit they can wear with real pride. At Lumo, we're passionate about championing inclusion and supporting the communities along our route.
"We hope this partnership helps the team gain the recognition it deserves while encouraging even more girls to get involved in football. We wish Denis and the whole team every success for the season ahead."
