The colour purple reigns for a Sheffield footie squad…

Gleadless’s Red Lion FC will no longer be in the red, because their kit is officially now the colour of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice branding.                                                                                                                                                                            

Ecclesfield-headquartered Equipserv UK, which maintains and services waste handling equipment for companies nationwide, decided to sponsor the club for their 2019/20 season.

But in return, they asked the current Sheffield Imperial Premier League champions to switch from their traditional red strip to raise awareness for Bluebell Wood.  The Bluebell Wood name is emblazoned down one arm of every shirt. And the team has decided wear the hospice’s logo-ed white T-shirts when they warm up for all their games.

Andy Taylor, Operations Director at Equipserv UK, said: “I have supported this amazing charity for many years. It’s a home from home for families facing the toughest of times.

“Equipserv took part in the hospice’s Dragon Boat Race three years ago and since becoming a director in April I have been keen for us to increase our involvement.

We have always tried to support local grass roots sports teams too and realised we could help both at the same time, maximising impact.

“We hope this season is the start of a long partnership between Red Lion FC, Equipserv UK and Bluebell Wood.”

The club’s star player and secretary Daniel Beech said: “Red Lion FC has progressed swiftly from the bottom league to Premier League champions. Many of our core players are now dads and when Equipserv UK recommended we support Bluebell Wood everyone in the team agreed because it’s such a fantastic cause.”

Gail Parkin, community fundraiser a Bluebell Wood commented: “It’s a brilliant idea and we’re very grateful for all Andy’s help in making it happen. We’re very much looking forward to working closely with Andy and Equipserv going forward and seeing what else they have up their sleeves!

“We’re also very proud to have Red Lion FC playing in our colours – best of luck this season from all at Bluebell Wood.”