In a major boost for youth development and community empowerment, petroleum distributor Fesco has pumped a $1.5-million sponsorship into the Waterhouse FC youth teams, aimed at strengthening grass roots football and providing crucial resources for the club’s young players.

The sponsorship package was unveiled by Stefan Ebanks, head of business development, sales, marketing and communication at Fesco. It will cover essential areas such as equipment, team kits, travel expenses, and training resources. Ebanks says the holistic nature of the sponsorship will go far beyond finances.

“The sponsorship will provide vital funding for equipment, kits, travel and training resources to ensure that players across all age groups have the tools they need to thrive on and off the pitch,” he said.

The partnership arrives at a critical time for the club and is further strengthened by Fesco’s deepening roots in the Waterhouse community. With a new Fesco service station currently being constructed nearby, Ebanks explained that the request from Waterhouse was met with no hesitation.

“Apart from being a great initiative, they really need the funding. And we are a member of the community now. When they asked, there were no objections on our side, especially with the fact that we are always going to be around.”

Ebanks underscored that Fesco’s commitment to community upliftment is nothing new as the company has supported numerous local initiatives, including the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Six-A-Side competition, Balmagie Primary School tournaments and other grassroots events in the area.

“They have always embraced us, we have never had a challenge. The community has been supportive, so when we did this one, they were quite excited,” he said. “It’s not just the funds that we are also helping them with fuel for transport, hydration with our water brand and even cooking gas to assist with their nutrition programme so it is a full sponsorship.”

Waterhouse FC Club Director Nicola Bicknell expressed heartfelt gratitude for the new partnership.

“Having the support of Fesco means the world to our players and their families. It helps us keep grassroots football accessible to all and shows our kids that the community believes in them,” she said.

Team manager of the Waterhouse Youth Programmes Jason Dawson echoed the sentiment, praising the impact of the sponsorship. “We are thrilled to have Fesco on board with the sponsorship of the youth teams. The presentation was well received by the community and team. As we look forward to the 2025 football season, this support should motivate us to work assiduously in achieving greater success,” Dawson said.

— Robert Bailey