The Merit Group Continues Their Support of Youth Football in Kent for a Fourth Season
As we look ahead into 2024/25, Kent FA is thrilled to announce that The Merit Group, a Kent-based family-owned business, will continue supporting youth football in Kent by sponsoring the Kent County Youth Cup competitions and Kent FA Business Sixes Cup.
This will be the fourth year that The Merit Group has supported the youth game, underscoring the company's dedication to supporting youth players across Kent and fostering community spirit through the beautiful game.
The renewal sponsorship agreement will begin on 1 July 2024 and conclude on 31 May 2025.
By providing crucial funding, The Merit Group supports the Kent FA in developing Kent Youth County Cup competitions and uniting the Kent business community through the power of football to drive positive impact.
"We are thrilled to extend our support of the Kent Youth County Cup Competitions to continue contributing to the development of youth players in Kent," said Mike Newton, Director at The Merit Group.
"At The Merit Group, we believe in the power of football to promote teamwork and life lessons, develop healthy lifestyles and bring communities together. Our continued sponsorship reflects our commitment to these values."
Highlights of the partnerships include:
• Enhanced cup final experience for youth players, spectators and match officials
• 486 youth teams entered the Youth County Cup competitions in the 2023/24 season – an increase of 30 teams from the 2022/23 season
• Over 2,430 spectators enjoyed a Kent Youth Cup Final in 2023/24
• Business-to-business marketing exposure to Kent businesses at the Kent FA Business Sixes Cup
• The Merit Group joined the Kent FA Judging Panel for Grassroots Workforce Awards for a third year.
The renewed partnership between The Merit Group and Kent FA symbolises our shared vision of developing the youth Kent game.
"We are incredibly grateful to The Merit Group for their unwavering support and generosity," said Darryl Haden, CEO of Kent FA.
"With an increasing number of teams entering the Kent County Cup competitions each season, this continued support from The Merit Group allows us to create positive and enriching cup final environments for youth players, creating lasting memories. We look forward to another fantastic season together."
As we embark on another exciting season ahead, we are confident that our combined collaboration will bring even greater achievements on and off the pitch.