THE future looks bright for 21 youth match officials in the making, after they secured kit sponsorship from six Berkshire opticians.
Specsavers stores in Lower Earley, Newbury, Newbury Hectors Way, Reading, Wokingham and Woodley have collectively agreed to support the youngsters, aged between 14 and 24 years old, who have signed up to the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme. The deal will see Specsavers become the official sponsor of the signature neon green, blue, pink and yellow referee jerseys.
The initiative, which caught the eye of directors from the six stores, is supported by 11 rugby clubs across Berkshire, and aims to hone the skills of the next generation of match officials, who when qualified will go on to referee youth, adult, formal league and cup matches.
Sean Caskey, Specsavers Wokingham store director, says: ‘As local business owners, we are all passionate about supporting our communities, so partnering with the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme, which will produce the next generation of referees, was an obvious one.’
Ravi Bhardwaj, Specsavers Lower Early, Reading and Woodley store director adds: ‘It’s great to be involved with an initiative where teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship are at its heart.’
There are currently 21 youths in the Berkshire Youth Match Official programme and more than 30 have been brought through into full adult refereeing over the past five years.
James Denny, Berkshire Youth Match Official programme co-ordinator says: ‘It can be challenging to find sponsors, so we are absolutely thrilled that Specsavers has stepped in to fund the kits.’
Dr John Kelly, Club Chair of Reading RFC and referee added: ‘We are delighted to partner with such an iconic brand and a strong supporter of communities. The young match officials certainly look the part in their new kits and we’re confident that they’ll be keeping their eyes on the ball during their training and beyond.’
Over the past four decades, Specsavers has been committed to investing in and staying at the forefront of optical and audiology technology and trends, offering a wide range of services, including eye tests, glasses and contact lenses, as well as hearing checks, hearing aids and wax removal.
Specsavers, which also offers a Home Visits service for those unable to visit one of its 1,000 locally owned stores, provides a range of eye care services that not only help to maintain eye health and vision, but also help detect broader health issues.
For more information or to book an appointment call:
Specsavers Lower Earley on 0118 975 0360
Specsavers Reading on 0118 956 9001
Specsavers Wokingham 0118 9783525
Specsavers Woodley on 0118 944 5760
Or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores
