HCMUK donate to local Women’s Football Club

As a football frenzy sweeps the country, HCMUK are proud to announce that we are sponsoring Doxford Athletic Women’s FC.

Jordan Chapman, Hitachi Connected Technology (HCT) Digital Coordinator at HCMUK, helped found and became the Manager of the team earlier this year with the aim of giving women over the age of 16 a chance to develop their footballing skills and be part of the wider women’s football family. Jordan approached Team HCMUK, enquiring about potential sponsorship and we were delighted to sign up as major sponsors for their 2022/23 season. ​​​​​​​

The club is an accredited member of the of the FA Charter standard programme with a current group of 29 participants including players and staff, they’re entering a team in the Durham FA Women’s League and will also be playing in the Women’s FA Cup.

Jordan is hoping to promote an informal and fun team sport for the players, some of whom are trainee teachers and nurses. The team were really pleased with the sponsorship from HCMUK, Jordan commented: “This partnership will play an integral role in our strategy to provide opportunities for women 16+ of all abilities and backgrounds to fall in love with football and enjoy the many benefits that it can bring to their life. The team are over the moon to be sponsored by Hitachi, the sponsorship will help with pitch fees and kit, and comes at a time when teams are really struggling to find companies to support them”.  

At Doxford FC they teach core basic skills while running a rewarding and safe environment for the girls to thrive with dedicated FA Qualified coaches supporting them. They’re focused on providing the best possible facilities and equipment available to their players. All abilities are welcome, and they are encouraging the team members to develop as respectful and positive young adults both on and off the pitch.

Stephen Creaser, Director of Product Support who approved the donation, said: “HCMUK are delighted to be able to support women’s football at the grass roots level and last night’s fantastic result by the Lionesses is proof that with the right investment and belief, anything is possible.

We’ve provided donations to lots of clubs over the last few weeks, including a girl’s youth rugby team in Rhondda, but this is the only women’s football team we’re sponsoring. Recruiting more women into Hitachi, especially in production and field service roles, is an aspiration of the company and this is one way we can support that goal and reach more women. The company is really pleased that we’ve been able to help.”

Football is now the top participation sport for women and girls in England. Yesterday, the England team left Wembley as heroes and role models for our daughters and granddaughters; hopefully in years to come one of the players from Doxford Ladies FC will be lifting some silverware of their own!