Leamington rugby club kitted out for new season thanks to Warwick-based developer

From left to right - Peter Beddoes (AC Lloyd), Pippa Scarisbrick Miller (Ladies Vice
Captain), Debbie Thomson (Ladies Captain) and Henry Reynolds (Men’s Captain). Photo supplied — From left to right - Peter Beddoes (AC Lloyd), Pippa Scarisbrick Miller (Ladies Vice Captain), Debbie Thomson (Ladies Captain) and Henry Reynolds (Men’s Captain). Photo supplied

A Leamington rugby club has been kitted out for the season ahead thanks to a new sponsorship deal with a local developer.

The logo of Warwick-based business AC Lloyd will take pride of place across the front of the kits of both the women’s and men’s teams at Old Leamingtonians RFC.

Old Leamingtonians Women’s RFC was formed in 1988 and is the oldest women’s rugby union team in the West Midlands.

The firm has supported the men’s side for three years and signed up to sponsor the women’s team last year.

The pandemic curtailed the season in 2020 but the loosening of restrictions means the team will be able to take to the pitch this year, with the season scheduled to begin in August.

The women’s team has now donned the AC Lloyd sponsored kit for the first time as training sessions get back underway.

Gemma Lewis, chair of Old Leamingtonians Ladies, said the sponsorship support has been crucial after a challenging year for the club.

“We’re always very appreciative of any support shown to us by local businesses and AC Lloyd have been fantastic supporters of the club as a whole over the past few years."

“Our women’s section continues to grow at great pace and we have seen more people looking to join the club since we have been able to hold training sessions again.

"The social aspect has proved really important in such difficult times.

“While the season is still a few months away we have been organising fixtures within the club, with our senior men, women, veterans, and colts all playing in an interclub tournament on May 22.

“It’s important that we are able to promote role models in women’s sport and continue to provide opportunities for girls to play sport. For a company like AC Lloyd to choose to invest in the future of women’s sport is amazing.”

Peter Beddoes, chairman of AC Lloyd, added: “We have a great relationship with everyone at Old Leamingtonians and it’s fantastic to see the teams all kitted out for the new season.

“At AC Lloyd we place community at the heart of our work and that is something that Old Leamingtonians do as well.

"The club is at the centre of the community and the importance of clubs like this has become even more prevalent over the past year.

“We wish both the men’s and women’s teams all the best for the season ahead.”