Bolton School is delighted that, through the generous sponsorship of Handelsbanken, the Girls’ Division Football Teams will wear their own kit for the first time.
Girls’ football has flourished in the Girls’ Division since its introduction to PE lessons and extracurricular clubs in 2021. With the success of the Lionesses to look up to, the sport has seen superb growth in recent years.
During the 2021-22 season, the Under 13s won their group in the Bolton Town Tournament. A new Town League was introduced for the 2022-23 season: the Under 13s not only took first place in the Bolton Schools’ Town Tournament and ultimately the new League, but also reached the area semi-finals of the Utilita Cup, organised by BWFC, and the semi-finals of the North West ISFA U13 Tournament. The Under 15s finished runners-up of the Town Tournament and were placed in the top half of the League. The 2023-24 season saw further success building on the previous year’s achievements: the Under 13s again won the Bolton Town League and this time reached the area final of the Utilita Cup, while the Under 15s took second place in the Bolton Town League Tournament. Both teams entered the GMCSFA Cup and the ESFA Cup for the first time.
However, until now, the Girls’ Division teams have been playing in borrowed Boys’ Division kit rather than their own school colours.
Thanks to Handelsbanken’s sponsorship of the team’s kits, they now have their own, specifically designed Girls’ Division football shirts to wear for the 2024-25 season and beyond.
Mark Hutchinson, Branch Manager for Handelsbanken Bolton, said: ‘Handelsbanken Bolton are delighted to be sponsoring the girls U15s and U13s football teams. As a relationship bank rooted in the community, supporting local initiatives is a key part of our values. We’ll be supporting the girls and wish the teams much success this season.’
Alinah McAllister (Year 10), the captain of the Under 15 team, said: ‘I want to say a huge thank you to Handelsbanken for our new team kits. This is the first time we’ve had our own strip, and it’s given the whole team a real boost as we head into the new season. We’re all excited to wear it with pride and give our best on the pitch.’
Under 13s player Ruby Roocroft (Year 8) said: : ‘I’m pleased that we have got a girls’ kit in school and no longer have to borrow the boys’ kit. I’m glad that the school recognises that girls are passionate for football. I’m looking forward to the season ahead, and I’ll be proud to wear the new kit to represent school.’
Mrs Lynne Kyle, Head of Girls’ Division, said: ‘We really are thrilled to have received sponsorship from Handelsbanken for our Girls’ Football Teams. This support comes at a particularly exciting time, following the success of our Under 13 and Under 15 teams, both of which have shown tremendous dedication and passion for the sport. As a result of Handelsbanken’s sponsorship, we have been able to commission the first ever team strip for Girls’ Division Football. This milestone will undoubtedly boost our players’ pride and team spirit, and I look forward to watching their continued successes on the field.’
The Girls’ Division Football Coach Ms Laura Farrimond-Goff also added: ‘I couldn’t be more excited or grateful for Handelsbanken’s sponsorship. The new kits are a game-changer for our players, and it’s fantastic to see the girls’ pride and enthusiasm as we head into the new season wearing them for the first time. This support means a lot to the team, and I’m confident it will inspire even greater success on the pitch.’
The Head of Bolton School Foundation, Mr Philip Britton, said: ‘We are immensely grateful to Handelsbanken for their generous sponsorship of our Girls’ football kits. This partnership highlights the value of strong connections with local businesses in supporting the success of our students. Partnerships like these are incredibly important to the School, as they help enrich the experiences we can offer to our pupils. The new team strip has been carefully designed to reflect the spirit and unity of our Girls’ Division teams, using the school colours, and we are excited about the positivity it brings as we forge new relationships that will continue to enhance opportunities for our students both on and off the field.’
The Girls’ Division Teams proudly wearing their new kit:
Under 13s:
Under 15s:
Members of both teams celebrate their new kit:
