Havant and Waterlooville FC are delighted to be entering an exciting new partnership with Draper Tools. Not only is the Hampshire-based tool firm on board as a Community Partner but for the first time in the history of the Club, Westleigh Park will be renamed the Draper Tools Community Stadium for the next three years.
This new venture will see both Draper Tools and the Football Club paving the way forwards to provide a Club that will become a key focal point within the local community.
Together they aim to not only make sports fully inclusive and accessible to all, but will also be working collaboratively across a range of charitable events within the local area throughout the year.
Derek Pope, Chairman at Havant and Waterlooville FC, is thrilled to announce this new partnership, commenting: “It’s a very exciting time for us and to welcome Draper Tools onboard as our Stadium Sponsor and Community Partner, further highlighting our ambition and commitment as a Football Club over the next three years to be able to support our local community, as well as having a facility we can be proud of. Draper Tools are a well-established name for football fans in the region and we couldn’t be happier that they have chosen to partner with us at the start of this exciting new journey.”
Havant and Waterlooville FC hosted a small socially distanced gathering on 9th October to celebrate the grounds’ new name and to officially open their brand new state-of-art 3G pitch. Cllr Prad Bains, Mayor of Havant and Alan Mak, MP for Havant and Vice President of Havant and Waterlooville FC, were both in attendance and shared the role of the renaming and opening ceremony.
Also in attendance were Graham Wade, Managing Director of Draper Tools and from the Draper family, Directors Tom and Joe Draper. The 5th generation of the family was also represented on the day, with Joe Draper’s 11-month-old son Leo present at the occasion. Speaking about the launch, Joe Draper commented:
“As a Hampshire-based, family business, the local community is very important to us and we’re proud to be a part of this project. So much hard work has gone into today’s launch, so it’s absolutely fantastic to be here today and see it all coming together. For me personally, it’s an extra special day too – as this is my son’s first ever trip to a football stadium. I’m sure it’ll be the first of many trips! As a family and as a business we are all excited about the future of this partnership.”
As a memento of the occasion, Derek Pope presented Graham Wade with a signed framed shirt of the First Team and a small gift for young Leo Draper.
Jason Douglass, Managing Director of S&C Slatters, was also in attendance he commented, “S&C Slatter are delighted to officially hand over the new top-of-the-range 3G Stadia Pitch at Westleigh Park ground, now named as The Draper Tools Community Stadium.
As the leading 3G Pitch contractor for non-league football, we are proud to support the Club’s continued growth with the construction of this outstanding new facility, set to benefit the Hawks and the wider community for years to come.”
The momentous occasion truly marks a fantastic new era in the history of the Club, coupled with the wonderful partnership with Draper Tools, the benchmark for future community ventures have been set.
ENDS
About Draper Tools:
The family business that’s been supplying the nation with tools since 1919.
Draper Tools is a leading distributor of hand and power tools. Established in 1919 by Bert Draper, the company is now over 100 years old and is still family owned and run today. Draper Tools prides itself on the range, quality and value of its expanding portfolio which includes over 10,000 tools and essentials. Product categories include automotive, construction, engineering and many more. Draper Tools products are available through a wide range of stockists both online and in stores. For more information, stockist details and trade enquiries visit: www.drapertools.com. For media enquiries contact: Fran Weeks [email protected][FD4]