Auto Windscreens back Milton Keynes football teams with new kits

Members of the Winslow Dons team with their club manager and the Milton Keynes Mayor

The event followed a drive from the UK glass repair company to support the community. Through its Facebook ‘youth grassroots competition’, the business selected City Belles to receive a football kit to celebrate the opening of its Fitting Hub on the Stacey Bushes Trading Estate.

Auto Windscreens also decided to provide a second strip to Winslow Dons Football Club, which is specifically for men aged 16+ with physical and learning disabilities. The squad is part of the MK Dons SET that runs several disability football teams in the area.

“We are over the moon to have won. As a self-funded club, the money our parents contribute covers our pitch fees so we rely on companies for sponsorship and support with anything beyond this,” said City Belles U13s’ Manager, Jay Hirst.

“We have high hopes for this season and the much-needed kit will give the girls renewed confidence against their opponents.”

The 15-strong team, whose home ground is Broughton Pavilion, is currently competing in the Berks & Bucks FA league.

Meeting weekly for training, the Winslow Dons play in the BOBI League (Berkshire Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire Inclusive League), providing footballing opportunities for children and adults who have physical and learning difficulties.

They will also be competing on Sunday, February 26 in the adult male disability category of The FA People’s Cup, a five-a-side tournament run in partnership with BBC Get Inspired, which culminates in a final at Wembley Stadium.

Club Manager, Alan Driver, whose son Chris (52) plays for the team, commented: “We are all really grateful to Auto Windscreens as we haven’t had new shirts for five years. They are expensive and in order for us to have bought them, we would need to have dropped some of the events we organise, which are really important to the lads, helping them develop, socialise and build friendships.”

Rupert Armitage, Auto Windscreens’ managing director, co-presented both clubs with their strips alongside the Mayor.

“As a locally operating business we are keen to support the local area and are pleased to have provided both squads with uniforms,” said Mr Armitage.

“We weren’t expecting to give kits to more than one team but felt that the Winslow Dons were very deserving. We wish both teams luck for their upcoming matches and look forward to seeing their pitch debuts wearing their Auto Windscreens-branded shirts.”

Mayor Coventry added: “It is fantastic to see a Milton Keynes company supporting our youth and encouraging activity in our community. I will be keenly watching to see how both clubs progress this season.”