Derby County and proud partner Eden Tyres & Servicing recently came together to launch the exciting ‘Kit 4 Kids’ campaign.
‘Kit 4 Kids’ was formed to provide local junior football teams aged from Under 7s to Under 12s in Derbyshire with the opportunity to be nominated to win a brand-new football kit, courtesy of Eden Tyres & Servicing.
The scheme kicked off back in February and over 100 entries were received in total, with local teams nominated for varying and worthy reasons.
The winning team, selected by officials from Derby County and Eden Tyres & Servicing, was Kilburn Youth Spartans Under-10s.
Sam Whittaker, Chair of Kilburn Youth Spartans, nominated manager Mark Whittaker and his team for Mark’s dedication to bring football back into the village after an absence of over thirty years at the ground
Mark has recruited over 70 players in an 18-month period for Kilburn Youth Spartans, showing huge commitment throughout his working week, and the kit will be used for the newly-formed Under-10s team next season.
Youngsters from Kilburn Youth Spartans Under-10s were invited to Pride Park Stadium last week, alongside their parents and family members, to be told of the news by club ambassador Michael Johnson.
The team were treated to a tour around the Rams’ home ground before heading into the home dressing room to see their new kit for the first time.
They were greeted by Derby duo Curtis Davies and Scott Carson in the dressing room, who also took part in a question and answer session with the youngsters.
Matt Eden, Director of Eden Tyres & Servicing, commented: “We were delighted to team up with Derby County to launch the ‘Kit 4 Kids’ project and were absolutely overwhelmed by the number of entries received.
“It was hard picking a winner from so many worthy teams, but Kilburn Youth Spartans’ entry really did stand out and they are very worthy winners.
“Eden Tyres & Servicing have been involved in supporting grass roots football for the last eight years and have provided many young teams with new kits, supported local tournaments and events and also the Derby Junior respect programme, whose volunteers do an incredible job.”
He added: “Seeing the kids being surprised with their new kits in the Derby County dressing room was fantastic. I hope they get a lot of enjoyment from their new kits - they look amazing."
Speaking on behalf of Kilburn Youth Spartans Football Club, Mark Whittaker said: “On receipt of the phone call from Derby County, I was truly overwhelmed that we had won the ‘Kit 4 Kids’ competition.
“It’s such a fantastic initiative run by the club and Eden Tyres & Servicing and will have such a huge positive impact on the kids.”