Marine academy Plymouth U14s celebrate as Royal Mail funds new kit

Budding footballers from Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP) U14s are celebrating being awarded a grant for brand-new kits as part of Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids programme. The team received the funding as part of the company’s drive to support employees’ local grassroots teams and help young people get active.

MAP U14s were nominated for funding by Samantha Hewitt, a Royal Mail Executive Correspondence Manager whose son plays for the team. The Royal Mail logo now appears on the back of the players’ training tops.

Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids was launched in response to many requests from colleagues across the country who want to help their local youth sports teams by funding new kit. Royal Mail and Parcelforce employees were encouraged to nominate their local grassroots youth sports teams to receive grant funding. 1,500 nominations were received, with successful clubs chosen randomly by region.

MAP is a well-established grassroots football club in Plymouth, with very close links to several Professional Football teams in and around the South West of England. With multiple teams from U6s through to U16s, both boys’ and girls’ teams and a women’s adult team, MAP is considered one of the biggest clubs in Plymouth.

Greg Sage, Royal Mail’s Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs and ESG, said: “Our 130,000 people are at the heart of their communities across the UK, and Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids gives colleagues the opportunity to show their support and help young people get active in their local area. Unwavering pride and passion, forging through all weathers, out in the community – grassroots sport has a lot in common with Royal Mail. This exciting new initiative brings the two together and we are delighted to be able to support the MAP U14s.”

Lee Johnson, MAP U14s Manager, said: “Grants such as these from well established companies are greatly appreciated to enable the team and players to continue to play the sport they love. The drill tops that were funded by Kits 4 Kids will keep the lads warm during the winter months and will ensure they look the part during the season. A massive thanks to Sam Hewitt who recommended us for such a grant, and to Royal Mail for accepting our application. The lads will be wearing the tops for the 24/25 and 25/26 season and will proudly wear it at all times.”