Business charity BW3 has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Baguley Athletic Football Club, chaired by England legend David Platt.
The Manchester League First Division outfit will display BW3’s branding on its first team strip as part of the deal.
It will also see former Aston Villa and Arsenal star Platt and members of the Baguley first team deliver activities to inspire young people BW3 works with.
The charity channels the volunteer efforts of businesses across Wythenshawe to raise aspirations in young people and help them reach their potential.
As part of the partnership, a series of exclusive leadership lunches will be hosted, during which a small number of guests can hear from Platt about his career and discuss how businesses can support grassroots sport and help young people into employment.
The partners will also carry out joint fundraising activities, helping them grow the benefits they deliver to the community.
Platt, who played 62 times for England and also had spells in Italy with Bari, Juventus and Sampdoria, said: “As a club born in the heart of Wythenshawe, it is important to us to develop strong ties with the community.
“We are aware of the amazing work BW3 delivers all year round and how that benefits many people connected with our club – as friends and family of players and officials or of our supporters.
“That’s why this partnership made so much sense to us and we are excited to see where it can take us together.”
BW3 chair Adam Jupp said: “We are honoured Baguley Athletic has chosen BW3 to work with and proud to see our logo on the front of its first team shirts.
“But this partnership is about much more than that – it is about two like-minded organisations coming together to improve the economic and social wellbeing in an area we care so deeply about.
“We know sports players can be such a source of inspiration for young people and we look forward to delivering some engaging initiatives with the schools we partner with. I also can’t wait to launch our Lunch Club series, which is sure to be popular and hugely insightful.”
BW3 was founded in 2022 by Manchester Airport, Manchester City Council and a range of other businesses. It coordinates their efforts to deliver programmes – ranging from mentoring to numeracy-based activities – to young people in Wythenshawe.
Baguley Athletic has its origins in Woodhouse Park and was founded in its current form in 2013.
Details of the Lunch Club series will be announced soon, giving guests the chance to engage in an intimate setting.
During the course of the academic year, BW3 and Baguley Athletic will collaborate on some inspiring activities for young people.
They will explore other fundraising activities, starting with both organisations competing in BW3’s annual Fire Engine pull challenge, with details to be revealed soon.