Goold Estates proud to sponsor Sedgley White Lions FC Under 8s for the 2025/26 Season

With the new football season just around the corner, the friendly matches are underway — and as proud sponsors of the 2025/26 season, Dee and Sue were delighted to be invited to watch Sedgley White Lions FC Under 8s in action at their friendly match on Friday 15 August.

It was a fantastic evening of football, and afterwards Sue caught up with Club Chairman, Malcolm Wilkes. He shared that 2025 marks a special milestone for the White Lions, as the club celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Malcolm’s connection with the club goes back 18 years, when his five-year-old son first joined the team. Today, Sedgley White Lions FC has grown to include 18 teams — starting with Mini Kickers at age five, with league football beginning from age six, and many members continuing to play well into adulthood.

The club is part of the Stourbridge League, one of the largest in the country, with fixtures taking them as far afield as Worcester, Smethwick, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. But, as Malcolm explained, the White Lions’ ethos is about much more than winning. The focus is on keeping youngsters active in a safe environment, helping them learn valuable life skills through teamwork, and offering a place to build confidence and trust.

In line with the rise of women’s football, the White Lions are also proud to now have two girls’ teams at U10 and U11 level. And for those with aspirations, there are exciting pathways too, with opportunities for players to progress to local academies including Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, and Walsall.

Sue Hanley, Charities Manager at Goold Estates, said:

“We are extremely happy to have the opportunity to sponsor the team this season and, as a local to Sedgley, I’ll be attending as many matches as possible.”