Gas emergency and pipeline service, Wales & West Utilities has partnered with Paignton Rugby Football Club to sponsor one of their young senior team players, Joshua Kendall.
Joshua, 19, plays in the front row for the Club’s senior team and is being supported by Wales & West Utilities during this season - as the club celebrates its 150th Anniversary.
Joshua’s father, Gareth works as a quantity surveyor for Wales & West Utilities, whilst he also volunteers at the club in his spare time. With each player in the starting 15 seeking sponsorship to help with kit and travelling costs, Wales & West Utilities was only too happy to lend a helping hand in recognition of the community support provided by Gareth.
Gareth explains:
Joshua has played rugby since he was 8 years of age and I have always tried to help out, where time has allowed. When he transferred to Paignton Rugby FC three years ago, I threw my weight behind the Club, volunteering in a number of roles.
Gareth volunteers as a match day steward, whilst also supporting the training of some of the Club’s younger sides. Looking to become a qualified coach, he also helps out utilising his sports science qualification and provides psychological support to the Club’s senior team.
He continued:
As a team we play all over Devon and Cornwall and the cost of travelling can affect some of our players. The support from my employer is fantastic and has ensured that Joshua is not only kitted out but that he doesn’t have to worry about travel costs.
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service for Wales and the south west of England and provided the funding as part of its commitment to support the communities it serves.
Sarah Hopkins, Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, said:
Gareth gives a large amount of time to supporting the Club and helping the development of players and the team overall, so when he approached us for support, we didn’t hesitate. Gareth, along with many of our colleagues, go the extra mile to volunteer their time to help clubs and organisations in their local communities and we are delighted to support their efforts.
We’re glad this money will help take some of the financial burden away from Joshua so that he can concentrate on his game. We wish him every success for the season and will be following his game.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.