A BROMSGROVE netball club facing a transport nightmare to get to their first national finals after their minibus was stolen have been helped by a kind-hearted company and The Standard.
The Ryland Netball U16A Girls team ‘made history’ over the weekend when they were crowned county champions of the West Midlands U16 Junior Regional League. It meant they made it through to the national finals taking place this weekend in Nottingham.
But, the team faced a dilemma after the 17-seater minibus they were going to use from Friday to Sunday was stolen and they could not afford last-minute transportation.
The club approached The Standard for help and we ran an appeal on our website on Wednesday. Within an hour, Oldbury-based David Manners Group (DMG) said it would provide sponsorship to cover the cost to rent a minibus and any insurance as well.
Treasurer Janet Hillier, who manages the junior teams, said: “Thank you so much to the Bromsgrove Standard for your appeal on our behalf and to David Manners Group for seeing it and sponsoring us.
“Winning the regional title is a first for the club at junior level and adds to the successful season the juniors have had.
“This is the third consecutive year the club has had a team at junior national finals which is a great achievement for us, the first time this has been achieved by a Worcestershire team.
“They are making history for the club at a time where there is a huge buzz surrounding netball following the Commonwealth Games.”
DMG supplies parts for modern and classic cars, including Jaguars, Daimlers, MGs, and Triumphs.
The kind-hearted company, which raised £12,000 for the Primrose Hospice last year when it restored and raffled off an old Morris Minor, set up The DMG Family Fund to sponsor a local team or good cause.
The firm jumped at the chance to support the club after seeing the plea on Twitter.
Kate Manners, managing director, said: “As soon as I saw the appeal I knew we had to help after such a selfish act.
“Young people need to be encouraged to take part in sports and we need more of these clubs, it would have just been too sad to let the hard work of the team and the club to come to such a sudden halt through no fault of their own.
“We wish the team the best of luck and hope they bring back the silverware but most of all we hope they have a great time and enjoy the experience.”
