Lanes Backs Young Soccer Stars with Shirt Sponsor Deal

Aiden Dingwall and his teammates are not just playing great football, they’re looking good doing it, thanks to a kit sponsorship deal agreed by Lanes Group.

Aiden, aged five, plays in a 2018 team run by East Kilbridge Youth Club in Scotland, or EKYC as it is known locally.

His mum, Claire Dingwall, is a commercial manager based at the Lanes Group Glasgow depot.

When she asked if Lanes would be willing to take up the two year sponsorship agreement after their previous sponsor dropped out, she was delighted when the company said yes.

“Aiden and his friends love the fact they’ve all got smart kit,” she explained. ”I do believe it puts an extra spring in their step when they’re playing, so we’re so pleased Lanes could help.”

Claire and her husband are both volunteers who help run the 2018 team and the 2015 team, which their other son plays for.

Brian Kerrigan, Regional Manager for Lanes Group in Scotland, said: “We were pleased to support Claire, given the excellent work she does with EKYC.

“Also, the club itself provides activities for hundreds of young people, giving them a great sense of achievement and supporting their personal development. We’re glad we could help.”

Lanes is sponsoring one of two 2018 teams run by EKYC – the 2018 means all players were born in 2018, so will turn six in 2024.

There are 24 players in each team. Matches are played in a local league that holds games every weekend at nearby Ravenscraig.

The 24 players are divided into four teams of six. Each team plays four 10-minute four-a-side matches, with players swapped around to give everyone a game.

Founded in 1969, EKYC is the area’s largest youth football club and is still growing, with 200 boys and girls playing in 10 teams aged from 5 to 16.

Claire said: “Lanes is supporting a sporting organisation that’s part of the community glue that makes East Kilbride a great place to live, with opportunities for young people of all ages.”