FELIZ NAVIDAD…

At this summer’s Euro’24, Thwaites launched its ‘Dumpers for Goal Post’ competition.

Eighteen Thwaites distributors represented the twenty-four qualifying nations, with England being counted once and represented by a network of eight distributors.

A graphic was created and shared on social media whenever any of the distributor’s nations played in the tournament…demonstrating Thwaites depth and coverage across the continent.

Whilst the objective of coverage and connection was a primary element of the campaign, so too was the offer of a 1,000 Euros for the winning distributor. With the fund to be invested in a local, amateur football club.

Little did we know that after the first game between Molson Young Plant Sales of Scotland and Schunke of Germany, fifty matches later we would see England in the final versus Spain.
Spain as we know won the final 2-1 and in doing so the 1,000 Euro prize was awarded to distributor Ubaristi S.A.

This month, Thwaites Distributor Manager for Spain Julie Day, visited the country to meet with Ubaristi, who nominated their regional Thwaites sub distributor Alqui Sagar to make the award.

We are delighted to announce that the winner of the Euro 24 Dumpers for Goal Post campaign and recipient of the 1,000Euro award is… Calahorra Base Soccer Club of La Rioja Spain.

Let’s find out more about Julie’s visit and the reaction of the club and community.

What does this mean to local community clubs to be given this investment?
“These kinds of impulses are fantastic. Something fundamental in every community in Spain is the promotion of sports, especially at an early age, as in the case of grassroots football”.

We were pleased to see the mayor in attendance why was this?
“The mayor wanted to show the city’s appreciation for Thwaites’ gesture in choosing the Calahorra Base Soccer Club for the donation made and all the support from the City Council for the promotion of sport”.

What will this new investment mean and do for the team and club?
“For a football school like ‘Club Calahorra Fútbol Base’ economic help is especially important because it affects all the players of the club”.

How did the youngsters react when they found out?
“Both the boys and girls of the club, as well as the coaches and directors were surprised and pleased by the news that an initiative such as this by Thwaites, could fall on our club”.

What has been the reaction from parents?
“They were so happy when we told them the news because the money will be invested in training material for their children, our players”.

Tell us a little about the club?
“This is the first season of the club after the merger of the football schools that existed in Calahorra. We have signed an agreement with Club Deportivo Calahorra, the team of the city that plays in the Second Division B, which in turn is a member of Real Sociedad, which makes us as an affiliate of Real Sociedad”.

How many teams do you have?
“The club has eight futsal teams (born 2019-2018-2017), 23 x eight-a-side football teams (from children born in 2016 to those born in 2013), six teams of 11-a-side football (12 to 13 years old and 14 to 15 years old). The club also has three teams of female category, and it is one of the future objectives of the club to complete all categories with female teams”.

Where is the investment in the club to be spent?
“We have purchased three sets of training goals, which we have called Thwaites, to always remember and give thanks for this initiative”.

Have any children from the club gone on to be a professional footballer?
“The most outstanding player to come out of the Calahorra youth academy is Santi Ezquerro. This player has played for top teams such as ‘Osasuna,’ ‘Atlético de Madrid,’ ‘Mallorca,’ ‘Athletic Club’ and ‘Barcelona FC,’ debuting with the Spanish national team too”.

Concluding Julie Day commented, “The welcome I received from club officials, parents, mayor, and particularly the children, was really special. It was a real pleasure to see how much this means and is appreciated.”
Thwaites General Manager Andy Sabin said, “We were delighted to be able to offer this prize following this win. Investment in grassroots football is so important for the club, its players, the community and the sport. I wish the club all the very best for this and future seasons.”