Deeley Group backs Coventry grassroots club Christ the King FC in its 80th anniversary year

Deeley Group has been headline supporter of Christ the King Football Club's 80th anniversary year in Coundon, Coventry, backing a programme of events whose proceeds will go back into the club's grassroots teams.

The Coventry-headquartered construction and property development firm, which is itself celebrating 90 years in business, said the sponsorship had supported a run of events to mark the club's history and its work in the community.

According to Deeley Group, these included an evening with Gordon Strachan, a golf day, a gala day and a gala dinner in October. The company said money raised would be reinvested directly into the club to fund football for boys, girls and senior players.

Martin Gallagher, Managing Director of Deeley Construction, said: "I have seen first-hand the incredible impact the football club has on its local community. We wanted to show our support as part of this major anniversary year."

The club

Christ the King FC was founded in 1946. Deeley Group said it runs 33 teams for boys, girls and seniors, with up to 400 players turning out over a season.

The Archdiocese of Birmingham, reporting on the club's 80th anniversary, gave a fuller breakdown: 33 teams, of which 25 are junior sides for players aged seven to 18, and 455 players representing the club each week across Saturday and Sunday competitions.

The two bodies also give different accounts of the club's origins. The Archdiocese said the idea for a parish football club came in 1946 from Fr Peter Tuite, then curate at Christ the King, while the club's own website says it was formed that year by the then Christ the King church committee.

Deeley Group said the club has close links with Christ the King Church and the wider parish in Coundon, including local schools and community organisations. The Archdiocese noted that former club player Callum Wilson now plays for West Ham.

The anniversary year

The celebrations began on Friday 20 March with a Mass celebrated by Canon Tom Farrell at Christ the King Church, according to the Archdiocese, which said the service opened six months of events including a golf day, gala day and race day.

Vinny Sloyan, Chairman of Christ the King Football Club, said: "The milestone year has been an opportunity to recognise our history but also to strengthen the club for the future, so we are still here in 80 more years' time."

He said the club's plans would not have been possible without the support of organisations such as Deeley Group.

Deeley Group

Gallagher said the firm shared values with the club in its community focus, its commitment to opportunities for young people and its long-term impact, and that the Deeley team had joined the club's celebrations through the year.

Companies House records show Deeley Group Limited's registered office at George House, Herald Avenue, Coventry, CV5 6UB. The company was named Deeley Construction Group Limited between 1977 and 1988.

The anniversary programme concluded with the gala dinner in October, Deeley Group said.