Earlier this year, we had the privilege of being invited to sponsor a local rugby club in the South West of England. This opportunity allowed us to contribute towards the purchase of new jackets for the players - a small gesture that we hope makes a big difference.

As a company that employs a vast, national network of local engineers throughout the UK, we take our responsibility to the communities we serve seriously. Supporting local initiatives is one way we demonstrate our commitment to those connections.

A Double Connection

Cleve RFC holds a particularly special place in our hearts. Our link to the club comes through two of our South West team members, who have been involved with it for many years. Jack and Matt, our dedicated engineers based in Bristol, both have children who play for Cleve RFC.

In addition to being a proud parent, Jack also volunteers as an assistant coach, sharing his time and expertise to help young players develop their skills and passion for the sport. Although Matt and Jack were aware of each other's involvement with Cleve, they only met properly one evening, quite by chance, when their JCW vans ended up parked side by side at the club car park!

Recognising a Need

For several seasons, the players had proudly worn their rugby kits. However, it became clear that something essential was missing - a smart, warm, and rain-resistant coat to keep them comfortable during colder months, whether on the sidelines, during substitutions, or in training.

Matt and Jack recognised that this would not only benefit their own children, but also be appreciated by other parents, the players, and the club itself.

Our Head of Operations for JCW in southwest England, Alan, had recently spoken about the importance of getting more involved in local sponsorship. So, when we heard about the club’s need for proper outerwear, we felt compelled to support.

The Result

We were thrilled to see our sponsorship funds put to excellent use. The players are now proudly wearing high-quality dry robes, which prominently feature our logo. With our engineers’ vans occasionally spotted at the club as well, JCW has become a familiar name among the Cleve RFC parent community!

We’ve heard from several parents that the dry robes have been a "godsend" during the winter months. What’s more, the boys are now wearing them to support the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate - staying warm and dry while cheering on their local heroes. It’s been a great way to enhance their match-day experience, and it's wonderful to see our support making a visible difference.

Engineer Jack (on the right), and the other coach's.

Jack is an assistant coach for the Under-10s and has been coaching since 2022. Both of Jack’s sons play for Cleve RFC, Reggie for the U13s and Seth for the U10s. They both began their rugby journey in the U6s when it was tag rugby, and now proudly play full-contact.

Local Rugby team sponsor — having started playing rugby at just six, Matt's son now plays in the under 12’s.

Committed to Community

At JCW, we’ve always believed in the importance of community and youth sport. Our national workforce connects us to towns and cities across the country, and we are especially aware of the positive role we can play in the places we work and live.

By supporting local sports initiatives, we’re not just helping to develop young talent or promote healthy lifestyles - we’re strengthening communities. We hope our continued commitment to social responsibility serves as a reminder of the meaningful impact businesses can have when they give back locally.