Supporting Grassroots Football with the Wyrley Meerkats Girls Under-14s
At TMP, supporting people is at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s helping to keep road users safe, creating sustainable products, or giving back to our local community. This season, we’re proud to sponsor the Wyrley Meerkats Girls Under-14s, a brilliant grassroots football team based in the West Midlands.
The Meerkats are part of Wyrley Juniors Football Club, one of the largest and most respected community clubs in the region. Founded in 1982, the club has grown from strength to strength and now runs more than 60 teams, including 22 girls’ sides from age seven through to the women’s first team. Manager Tash Capewell has been with her team since they were just five years old, and now, nearly a decade later, they’re competing in the under-14s league.
“The club means a lot to people locally because we are a true community club,” explains Tash. “We run summer and Christmas fairs, collect presents for vulnerable children, and even deliver fish and chips on New Years Eve to local residents who might otherwise be alone. Everyone gets involved, the managers, players, parents, it’s all about giving back.”
That community focus was one of the reasons TMP wanted to get involved. The team were in need of a new kit for the coming season, and with dozens of local teams competing for sponsorship, finding a backer can be tough.
“Without sponsors, we simply wouldn’t have the funds for kits,” says Tash. “A new kit makes the girls feel professional and proud. When TMP came back to say they’d support us with home, away, and training kits, it was a huge relief. They look fantastic, and the girls absolutely love them.”
As part of the sponsorship, TMP’s Managing Director, Suzanne Day, was invited to meet the team and see the new kit in action. Suzanne was presented with two framed shirts by Tash and the coaching team, a special thank you for helping make the season possible.
The new kits also reflect TMP’s commitment to sustainability. In keeping with our People and Planet values, the Meerkats’ kits will continue to be used and reused for years to come.
“Every two years we replace our kits,” Tash explains. “The older ones are passed down to younger teams, so nothing goes to waste. Some of our first kits from seven or eight years ago are still being worn by the under-6s and under-7s. When they finally outgrow the club, we donate them to local schools, and they’re always snapped up.”
It’s a simple idea that aligns perfectly with TMP’s focus on circular thinking, making sure good things are used for as long as possible rather than thrown away.
The Meerkats’ third match in their new TMP kit was against FC Falcons, ending in a hard-fought 2–2 draw. After going 1–0 down early in the game, the team battled back with a brilliant equaliser before half-time. The Falcons retook the lead in the second half, but the Meerkats found the net again in the closing minutes with what Tash described as “an absolute stormer of a goal.”
“It was a fair result,” she says. “The girls gave it everything and looked fantastic doing it. We’re proud of them.”
The team’s next challenge is a home fixture against Alsager Meerkats, one of their biggest rivals. Despite a few injuries and a missing goalkeeper, spirits are high and the team are aiming to finish in the top five this season.
“We’ve had a rocky start, but once we’ve got our full squad back, I know we’ll find our rhythm again,” adds Tash. “Finishing in that top half of the table would be amazing.”
For TMP, the partnership goes beyond just logos on shirts. It’s about encouraging confidence, teamwork and resilience, values that run right through both TMP and Wyrley Juniors.
“We’re delighted to support such a passionate team,” says Suzanne. “Grassroots sport plays an important role in shaping confidence and community spirit. Seeing the Meerkats proudly wearing TMP across their shirts is something we’re really proud of.”
Here’s to a fantastic season ahead for the Wyrley Meerkats Girls Under-14s. We’ll be cheering you on all the way.
