Scotland keeper presents sponsored shirts to under 11's team
Date published: 16 September 2011
The team recieving their sponsored kit as well as a signed Salford City reds shirt as a prize from Matt Gilks
Scotland and Blackpool Goalkeeper Matt Gilks took time out from his busy schedule this week to visit the Rochdale Mayfield Mustangs’ Under 11’s team and present them with their new home kit - which he has sponsored.
The sponsorship came about from the teamwork of Mr Gilks and Rochdale Hornets star Paul O’Keefe, who is currently the team’s assistant coach. Mr O’Keefe invited Mr Gilks to watch his team play, and the goalkeeper was astounded by their level of commitment and fierce love of Rugby.
When Mr Gilks offered to sponsor the kit of the newly formed Under 11's, coach Andrew Bamford was delighted. He said: "Mr Gilks has been a pleasure to deal with, and to see a footballer of such a high standard take an interest in our team has created such a buzz around the players, who although now take an interest in Matt and his team-mates, I am sure they will not cross the divide to football as they love the sport of Rugby League and the great facilities that are on offer here at Rochdale Mayfield."
Rochdale Mayfield Rugby League Development Officer, Paul Scanlon-Wells, added: “To have someone of such a high profile in the sport of football take an interest in our club is amazing, especially with us playing with a different shaped ball!
“It can only help us to raise our profile in the local community and with local football fans through this association and may lead to a few of them trying the game of rugby league, now we are becoming a summer sport. Who knows? Maybe when Mr Gilks retires he may pull on the blue and white hoops of Rochdale Mayfield.”
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