Teignbridge young footballers welcome cash boost from homes company

A South Devon youth football club have received a big boost after securing a donation from the builder behind a Newton Abbot homes development.

Kingsteignton-based Watts Blake Bearne Youth FC were presented with a £1,000 cheque from Persimmon Homes South West as part of the developer’s Community Champions programme.

The club, which traces its name back to the original owners of the clay pits of Kingsteignton, was established 40 years ago and now has 17 teams including senior, youth, boys, and girls teams. The donation will be used to purchase new kits and equipment for its Under 9s side.

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme sees £700,000 go to much-valued organisations and good causes across Britain each year. Recent local recipients include Newton Abbot College, The Lodge Skate Park, Buckland Athletic FC, Decoy BMX, and Newton Abbot Museum.

The accredited five-star builder is currently constructing the first phase of its Kings Meadow outlet on the outskirts of Newton Abbot. The initial batch of homes are now sold.

Last month, Persimmon secured planning approval for the site, delivering a further 88 quality new homes for local people on this no-gas site. The wider outline masterplan allows for up to 450 homes, as well as land for employment, schools, and a local centre.

Persimmon will once again implement its successful ‘local homes guarantee’, offering people living within the Teignbridge area first refusal on most homes for the first eight weeks after launch. In the first phase, over 80 per cent of buyers lived within 10 miles of the development.

Persimmon Homes South West Sales Director Stacey Harris said: “We’re extremely proud to back with WWB FC, continuing a Persimmon tradition of supporting youth sports clubs in the areas we develop as part of our mission to leave a positive and lasting legacy.

“As a business committed to building 450 homes high-quality homes for local families at our Kings Meadow development in Newton Abbot, we’re committed to supporting the town's continued growth and success.

“This sponsorship reflects our long-term investment in the area – not just in bricks and mortar, but in the people and places that make the town what it is.”

Alex Blackburn, Under 9s Coach at Watts Blake Bearne Youth FC, said: "We’re really grateful to Persimmon for their generous donation to our club, allowing us to get some much-needed kits and equipment for our Under 9s side.

“WWB can only function thanks to the dedication of volunteers, so financial support like this, especially from a local business, is very much appreciated.”