'The company has heritage in supporting youth football as sponsor of the Bitzer Cup in Germany,' said Sam Buckell, PA to Bitzer UK’s managing director. 'As a dynamic local team the Jaguars are a good match for us – and coincidentally play in green. The players had outgrown their kit, and we were delighted to sponsor them and provide new gear for the season.'
The main Club was founded in 1963, initially as Newport Pagnell Wanderers, playing on Bury Field Common, just a few miles away from Bitzer's Milton Keynes headquarters. From small beginnings, the main side has become the highest placed non-league club in the Milton Keynes area, with a youth section of around 30 teams.
The club’s Newport Jags team have netted no less than 20 items of silverware, and have an enthusiastic following on the competitive youth league circuit.
After competing strongly in Division One of the Milton Keynes District League, the team’s coaches proposed the boys play up a year for the 2018-2019 season. After being green-lighted with a stipulation they compete in Division 2 against the older boys, the Jags won the Division – despite competing against physically bigger opposition, losing just two games during the season.
Seeking a fresh challenge, the Jags have now joined the Midlands Junior Premier League, a competitive league embracing teams in a large catchment across central England. In their first year, the Jags finished fifth out of 70 teams, going on to beat this the following year – finishing in third place.
'A particular joy has been finding many opposition clubs allowing their youth teams to use the first team facilities, so the boys have been able to enjoy playing on good pitches in a small stadium environment,' said Jez Hands, team photographer and enthusiastic father. 'Although the Jags certainly play to win, the focus remains on team performance and personal development, with a strong emphasis on playing good football ‘the right way’.'
Following the sponsorship agreement, the Jags now play with the Bitzer logo emblazoned on their shirts, 'although it actually shows up better when they play in their 'away' second strip of Royal Blue,' said Ms Buckell.'This is the first time Bitzer UK have sponsored a local youth team, and I am looking forward to wrapping up warm and watching the games through the season.'