From Sponsorship to Support: How Our Local Team Is Thriving

It’s been a few months since Prime Nurture proudly sponsored a local girls’ football team, led by our very own Business Development Manager, Ben — and what a season it’s been so far.

When we first caught up with Ben, he spoke about wanting to give children strong role models, create a sense of belonging, and bring Prime Nurture’s nurturing values to life beyond the care setting. Now, as the season unfolds, it’s clear that vision has come to life in the most heartwarming way.

“The girls have grown so much already, both in confidence and in understanding the game,” Ben shares. “Every week they’re learning more about positioning, passing, and working as a team. We’ve had a few tough games, but their attitude and togetherness have been outstanding. Win or lose, they always finish smiling — and that says everything.”

That spirit of joy and resilience has been a constant theme. Their very first match set the tone — a 7–2 win, with Ben’s daughter scoring all seven goals on her 7th birthday. “It was one of those moments that felt truly meant to be,” Ben laughs. And it wasn’t just about big wins — in another match, the team came back from 2–0 down to win 3–2. “That one made me particularly proud. It showed how much belief and teamwork they’ve already developed.”

From nervous beginnings to newfound confidence, the transformation has been remarkable. “At the very start, a lot of the girls were really shy,” Ben explains. “One even cried in her dad’s arms at the first session. But now she’s captaining the team! They come running into training full of smiles, cracking jokes, and supporting one another. That’s exactly what this is about.”

It’s this growth — both personal and collective — that shows how powerful nurturing environments can be, whether in care or on the pitch. The sponsorship has also played a big role in building the team’s sense of identity. “The girls absolutely love their new kit and wear it with pride,” Ben says. “Having the Prime Nurture logo on their shirts gives them a sense of professionalism and belonging. People often comment on how smart they look, and it’s helped raise awareness of Prime Nurture’s commitment to children and community.”

For many families, it’s the first time they’ve heard about Prime Nurture — and seeing the name connected to something positive and local has made a lasting impression. Ben is quick to highlight the incredible parents and supporters behind the team too. “We’ve had up to 30 family members turning up at some games! The atmosphere they create is brilliant,” he says. “From the start, we wanted to build a support network around the team, just like we do at Prime Nurture — a sense of family, encouragement, and belonging. Seeing that come to life each week has been really special.”

For Ben, the smiles say it all. “After one match we lost, I was feeling a bit downbeat,” he recalls. “Then ten smiling girls surrounded me, laughing like nothing had happened. One of them said, ‘It doesn’t matter that we lost, because we have the biggest smiles.’ That was a tear-jerker moment. It reminded me exactly why I love doing this — it’s not about the scoreline, it’s about the joy they bring every week.”

Even the challenges, like keeping up with the energy of ten young players or balancing fair playing time, are met with humour and heart. “They run rings around me most weeks!” he laughs. “But I never want any of them to feel left out. They all bring something special.”

The parallels between coaching and Prime Nurture’s mission are clear. “Just like at Prime Nurture, we focus on creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels valued,” Ben explains. “It’s about patience, encouragement, and helping them believe in themselves. The same nurturing principles that guide our homes apply perfectly to the pitch.”

As for the rest of the season, Ben keeps it simple. “To keep the fun, the laughter, and the togetherness going,” he says. “Of course we want to keep improving, but more than anything I want every girl to finish the season loving football even more than when she started — feeling proud, confident, and connected. They’re such a kind, beautiful group of girls, and I just want the best for them.”

At Prime Nurture, we believe that nurturing goes far beyond care settings — it’s about helping children and communities flourish in every part of life. We’re so proud to see Ben bringing that ethos to the field, and we’ll continue cheering on the girls as they grow, play, and inspire us all.