Kent Reliance, the local well-known savings bank which is part of OSB Group, continues to partner with XL@Football, an all-female football academy, in supporting players through the cost of living crisis. The Kent Reliance Scholarship was launched earlier this year in response to the challenging economic climate, offering places to those who are financially vulnerable and/or exceptionally talented players to develop to their maximum potential.
The launch of the scholarship has proved extremely timely as the country finds itself in a cost of living crisis. Kent Reliance offers a range of sponsorship to XL@Football (including the scholarship programme) and these funds have proved vital in helping families to financially commit to football training.
As with many other local groups, the XL@Football community are pulling together now more than ever before with initiatives such as the ‘boot bag’, an anonymous donation of new and used football boots back to the club which helps other players and their families who might be struggling with increasing costs and growing feet.
Stuart Grist, CEO, XL@Football said, “The sense of community has always been strong within the XL@Football family but now as we all face rising costs and uncertain times, this is stronger than ever before. We have a wide range of players and families from varying backgrounds and it’s amazing to see everyone pull together to ensure the girls can continue to train without any barriers. The boot bag is an amazing example of just how everyone is supporting each other and with it being anonymous, nobody faces any embarrassment of needing a helping hand.”
The partnership has a strongly held belief that a young person’s financial situation shouldn’t hamper ambition or talent - these opportunities should be open to all and that is exactly what is being achieve at XL@Football with Kent Reliance.
Paul Whitlock, Group Managing Director of Savings at OSB Group said, “The cost of living crisis is impacting everyone across the country. As a long standing savings provider with strong community roots, Kent Reliance and its branches sit in the heart of our local communities. I’ve seen first-hand the club’s passion and desire for women’s football and to see how they are evolving to help support one another during these times is exceptional. We are truly delighted to be part of a collaboration that has such strong community spirit.”
The Kent Reliance Sponsorship Programme is just one of a range of opportunities being offered by the club, which has recently built an under-18s team to bridge the gap for players between the youth team and the adult game. Further information can be found at the XL@Football website.