Investing in future champions: CFL’s commitment to supporting local youth sports

15th July, 2025 Philip Findlay

At CFL, we firmly believe that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not just a checkbox—it’s a reflection of our values. It means standing behind the people, places, and passions that shape our communities. One of the most meaningful ways we do that is through our sponsorship of local youth sports teams. Because when we support young athletes, we’re investing in much more than sport—we’re investing in confidence, opportunity, and future success.

Why do local sports matter to CFL?

Youth sports are about more than just wins and losses. They teach commitment, build resilience, and offer children a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. Yet, many talented young athletes face real barriers—especially when it comes to accessing national competitions, high-quality coaching, or even basic equipment.

This is where CFLs steps in.

In 2025, we were proud to sponsor two exceptional North East youth teams: Grangetown Netball Club’s U14 and U16 squads and the Manilla Cycling Youth Race Team. Our goal was simple: remove financial hurdles so that passion, not affordability, decides who gets to compete.

Supporting Grangetown Netball

Grangetown Netball Club is well known in Teesside for its dedication to nurturing local talent. In 2025, both their U14 and U16 teams qualified for the National Club Finals—an elite event bringing together the best teams across the UK.

Our sponsorship helped fund travel, accommodation, kits, and logistics for 30 young players. And the result? The U14s finished 5th nationally—the highest ranking in the club’s 40+ year history. The U16s secured an impressive 8th place.

The club’s message to us was simple, but powerful:

“Your support and generosity enabled 30 local girls to display their sporting talents and show how far northern grit can take you. This was the first time any Grangetown squad has placed so highly, and it wouldn’t have been possible without CFL’s support.”

This is exactly why we do what we do. Behind every statistic is a young person who’s been given a chance to dream bigger—and achieve it.

Backing Manilla Cycling

Cycling is a sport that demands serious dedication—and serious financial backing. At Manilla Cycling, based in the North East, the youth development squad has produced riders who’ve gone on to represent British Cycling. But even the most gifted cyclists can’t reach their full potential without the right support.

CFL proudly stepped in to sponsor Manilla’s youth programme—covering race entry fees, travel costs, coaching programmes, and equipment.

A club spokesperson shared:

“CFL believed in the potential of our young riders. Their support removes financial hurdles and allows talent, not circumstance, to dictate success. It’s a real game-changer for our athletes.”

Thanks to this partnership, Manilla’s young riders can now compete at national events with pride and professionalism—representing both their club and their community at the highest level.

More than just a sponsor

Our support for these teams is part of a wider CSR commitment focused on:

Youth empowerment
Health and well-being
Equal opportunity
Community engagement

We believe access to sport shouldn’t depend on postcode or household income. Every child deserves the chance to train hard, compete fairly, and be part of a team that believes in them.

By sponsoring local sports clubs, we’re not just funding travel or kits—we’re helping build future leaders, team players, and community champions.

Pulling together for the community

These partnerships go beyond the pitch and the track. They reflect who we are as a company: a team that stands together, supports ambition, and celebrates community success.

We don’t just write cheques—we show up, we cheer from the sidelines, and we take pride in every goal scored, every race finished, and every young person who walks a little taller because someone believed in them.

That someone is us.

Looking ahead

At CFL, our CSR journey is just getting started. We will continue to support initiatives that reflect our core values—particularly those that promote fairness, inclusion, and access for all.

We’re incredibly proud of the young athletes at Grangetown Netball and Manilla Cycling. Their dedication and achievements remind us what’s possible when community and corporate support come together with purpose.

We look forward to expanding our partnerships in the future—and continuing to play a part in helping young people reach for something greater.

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Investing in future champions: CFL’s commitment to supporting local youth sports