As football prepares to return, Wiltshire FA is delighted to announce a new partnership with Fish Brothers Kia and Fish Brothers Honda.

Oliver Selfe, CEO at Wiltshire FA said, “We are thrilled to welcome Fish Brothers on board as a new partner. The last few months have been some of the most challenging times, not just for football, but across society. Grassroots football stopped for the first time ever. This postponement of the game has had an impact on health, mental health and social opportunities as well as a huge effect on finances. Support from local businesses, like Fish Brothers, is more critical than ever.”

Football, at all levels, was suspended in March 2020 when the UK went into lockdown. As football stopped the significance of the role of the game in society became more real. Football has a pivotal role to play in the nation’s health. The game keeps people active and healthier both physically and mentally. It encourages social opportunities and community cohesion while helping with confidence, teamwork, discipline and respect.

For many, football is the highlight of their week providing a sense of belonging and achievement.

Simon Bradbury, Local Business & Leasing Sales Manager at Fish Brothers Kia comments, “We can see real benefits in supporting Wiltshire FA and the grassroots game. As a coach at Lydiard Youth FC I know first-hand the positive impact football has in the community, so as an organisation we are pleased to be contributing to the game in our local area.

“Fish Brothers has been a significant part of the Swindon community for over 70 years, our partnership with Wiltshire FA gives us the opportunity to connect with the wider Wiltshire audience, informing them of our affordable deals on a huge range of cars.

“We have all been through a tough few months, with many aspects of our lives disrupted. This disruption could mean people are changing their arrangements and are now looking to buy a new or used car. If this is the case people can be assured that they can contact me to discuss their circumstances and hear about our options, our showroom is open, and we are a Covid secure site.”

Fish Brothers are a family owned car dealer group in Swindon. The business began in 1948 in Faringdon with just one dealership but has now grown to be a multi-franchise dealer with the majority of dealerships in Swindon.

Known for their experience, good prices and selection of cars Fish Brothers have established a trustworthy, reliable and friendly service to all its customers.

Simon continues, “As well as sponsorship, which is reinvested back into the grassroots game, we have also been able to provide Wiltshire FA with a pool vehicle so as football makes a comeback, the team can drive around the County in one of our cars, delivering and supporting football interventions.

We hope our support will contribute to driving football participation in Wiltshire and that our sponsorship can alleviate some of the funding pressures that football faces in the current climate.”

The latest guidance from the FA released on 18^th July gives the football community the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season. Until 31^st July competitive training can begin, with groups limited to 30 people. In August competitive matches can begin with pre-season fixtures and football competitions and in September grassroots leagues can commence.

Oliver concludes, “We are now preparing for the return of football. Over the past few months we have responded to the global pandemic and the impact it has had on football, we are now in a recovery phase where we will be planning for the next season and getting our operations back up and running, we are confident that the next phase will see football thriving again.”

Wiltshire FA offer partnership opportunities to businesses who want to contribute to, and support, the return of grassroots football and the health and wellbeing of people across Wiltshire. Supporting the grassroots game can drive significant return, loyalty and connection that advertising alone cannot match.

To find out more about partnerships with Wiltshire FA contact Marketing@WiltshireFA.com