Staff behind a new thriving community in Swindon have helped Wichelstowe Wanderers tackle their kit conundrum with a donation to cover new strips for the 2022-23 season.
The Wichelstowe development, one of the largest local authority joint venture agreements in the country, is being built by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council. It will deliver 3,000 new homes over the next 20 years, along with new schools and community facilities.
When staff found out the Club needed help, they were quick to strike with a £500 donation to fund new kit for the team that’s made up of players from all walks of life including accountants, an army officer, gas engineer and barber.
The team is jointly managed by brothers Kyran and Zak Page who both live at the Canalside development at Wichelstowe. Kyran said: “The £500 donation has enabled us to buy 16 full, high quality kits. Without this support, there would be added pressure on the team when the cost of living is already at its highest for years.”
Zak agrees: “The donation has helped reduce the financial burden on players so we can get on with playing the football we all love.”
Daniel Pavely, project director for the Wichelstowe scheme, said: “The Club’s role in bringing people together through sport mirrors the dedication of the Wichelstowe joint venture to create and build local communities. As our local team, we’re proud to pledge our support and we wish them all every success for the coming season.”
The new community at Wichelstowe will cover 600 acres on the southern edge of Swindon. In addition to 208 new homes already delivered at Canalside @ Wichelstowe, the 250-acre site also includes Waitrose, Hall & Woodhouse bar and restaurant and community facilities. Once complete, there will be 200 acres of open space, 12km of new footways and cycleways, 1.5 acres of allotments and 20 acres of play areas and sports pitches.
Wichelstowe Wanderers plays in Division 3 of Swindon’s Sunday League and the first match of the next season will kick off at 10.30am, Sunday 4 September at the Deanery Academy in Wichelstowe.
