Jones Homes Sponsors Junior Football Team in Thorpe Willoughby

There's something special about getting a brand-new football kit. It’s that feeling of pulling on a shirt that’s crisp, bright, and has your team’s badge sitting proudly on the chest. For any young player, it makes you feel like a pro, even if you’re just having a kickabout on a Saturday morning. For the Under-8 Blue team at Thorpe United, that feeling just got very real, thanks to a local housebuilder stepping in to show some fantastic community spirit.

A fresh look for Thorpe United's rising stars

Housebuilder Jones Homes decided to sponsor Thorpe United’s Under-8 Blue team, a squad of eight talented young lads who play their hearts out every Saturday morning. The team, based at the sports centre in Thorpe Willoughby, competes in the Selby and District Junior Football League. Jones Homes is building new houses at its Teasel Green development just down the road in Eggborough, so the connection was a natural fit. The sponsorship meant the team could get 10 brand-new, full kits—that’s a shirt, shorts, and socks for every player, plus a couple of spares for good measure.

Think about it. When you're a kid, your old kit can start to feel a bit tired. Maybe it's a bit tight, the colours have faded from all the muddy matches and countless washes, and it just doesn't feel as special anymore. A new kit changes all of that. It’s a fresh start, a clean slate, and a massive confidence booster before they even step onto the pitch. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference, showing the players that their efforts are being noticed and supported by the local community.

More than just a new shirt

Running a grassroots football team takes a lot of effort, and it’s often volunteers who make it all happen. So, when a local business offers a helping hand, it’s a massive boost. The team’s coach, Tom Lonsdale, who runs things with co-coach Oli O’Neill, was clearly chuffed with the support.

He explained how it all came about: “We were looking for a sponsor so I approached Jones Homes as I knew they are building houses in nearby Eggborough and was delighted by the response I received. They were incredibly positive and enthusiastic right from the off and it was a real boost to find a local business which was willing to get involved.”

The sponsorship wasn't just a small gesture, it was properly thought through.

“The very generous donation from Jones Homes has enabled us to buy 10 kits, so we can have two spares – one for the goalkeeper if he wants to play as an outfield player and one for if we sign on another player. The kits, which include a shirt, shorts and socks, are one size too big for the players so that they will have room to grow into them and they will last two seasons.”

“The players are very excited about having a brand-new kit. The old one was bit tight for most of the boys and more than little tired and washed-out looking. There is no doubt that having a new kit will give them a psychological lift and make them feel better.”

And isn't that what it's all about? Making kids feel good, confident, and part of something brilliant.

Building communities, not just houses

For Jones Homes, this wasn't just about getting their logo on a shirt. It was about being a proper part of the community they're working in. Thorpe United is a big deal in the area, with around 500 players across 28 different teams, from tiny under-5s right up to a veterans' team. It’s a hub that brings people together.

Jayne Swift, the Sales and Marketing Director at Jones Homes Yorkshire, summed up their thinking:

“As a socially-responsible housebuilder our philosophy is not only to build quality new homes but also to play a positive role in the local community. Thorpe United is a shining example of a much-loved grassroots club getting it right by providing a sporting and social focus for local residents.”

And here’s a really lovely touch. The company didn’t just hand over a pre-picked kit. They got the players involved. Jayne said, “It was great to hear that the players themselves got to choose the colour of their kit during a vote at training and we are very proud that this team will carry our Jones Homes logo on the front of their shirts when they run out onto the pitch.” You can just imagine the excitement during that training session, with eight-year-olds all having their say. It makes the kit truly theirs.