Dealership dedicates kit sponsorship to much-missed colleague

A Lancashire motor dealership has sponsored a Preston youth football team’s kit in memory of a dearly-missed colleague.

This season, the under 10’s team at Springfields FC will wear brand new tops, training tops, shorts and socks thanks to a sponsorship by Bowker BMW in Preston; Paul’s employer for over 15 years.

Before his death in 2021, Paul ‘Crowey’ Crowhurst had worked at Bowker BMW for over 15 years and was also the chairman of Springfields FC.

For Bowker BMW in Preston Jonathan Rogan, head of business, said: “Paul was a much-loved colleague and a selfless supporter of grassroots football. Never more so than when it came to Springfields FC. He’d taken one of the teams at Springfields through all the age groups. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the U10’s team in Paul’s memory and wish them all the best for the season.”

Springfields under 10’s play in the Mid Lancashire Colts Junior Football League league.  Springfields FC is a community club in Preston offering football coaching starting at age 5, with teams competing from under 7’s through to adults.

For Springfields F.C., treasurer Danielle Gore said: “Thank you to Bowker BMW for sponsoring the under 10’s kit. These are young players at the start of their football adventure, just like the team that Crowey first coached. His legacy lives on in the lives of the young people who he inspired, and the hundreds of other players and parents who benefitted from his hard work on the committee and as our chairman.”

Last month more than 20 Bowker Motor Group employees successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in Crowey’s memory - a challenge he’d completed himself several years earlier. By completing the 24-mile 5200-feet climb in around 12 hours Bowker staff raised over £4,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.