Community news

Top striker’s delight as housebuilder’s donation keeps Longlevens on the pitch

- 11 Mar 20

A prolific striker for a Gloucester football team says he’s delighted and relieved that his club can carry on playing after a donation from the national housebuilder he works for.

Bradley Martin, assistant quantity surveyor at Bovis Homes, and a 20-plus a season goal scorer at Longlevens AFC, will be proud to don the housebuilder-sponsored away kit - and his entire family are joining in the celebrations.

Bovis Homes - part of the newly-formed Vistry Group - donated £500 to the Hellenic League Premier Division club, which Bradley’s whole family is connected to - including his brother Craig, who is first-team manager.

Bradley, 26, said: “This donation from Bovis Homes means so much because it will keep us playing. A lot of people don’t know how difficult it is to run a football club, to pay for referees, hire pitches and travel to matches.

“It’s absolutely vital to have a kit sponsorship like this and it goes such a long way. I’m delighted that a company like Bovis Homes has got involved and sponsored our away strip.

“We’ll be proud as punch to wear it, particularly me because it’s the company I work for. I’m also proud that Bovis Homes has chosen to sponsor a local sports team – such an important fixture in the local community.”

Bradley’s brothers Mike and Lee both played for the club and regularly attend matches to support the team. His mum, Sharon and his sister, Tara, cook on match days, look after away fans and run a tuck shop after games.

Sharon used to be treasurer and his late father Stephen, was club secretary. It was his oldest brother Mike who introduced the family to the club, 15 years ago.

Sharon Nash (pictured), regional marketing manager at Bovis Homes, said: “We love Longlevens AFC’s away strip and are excited to be a part of this impressive community club’s success.

“We will be supporting the team throughout the season and wish them the best of luck.”

The new away kit is blue with the Bovis Homes logo, in white, across the chest. Longlevens AFC also has ladies and youth teams.