Wales’ largest repairer has proved to be in a league of its own after teaming up with various clubs as a kit or player sponsor this season.

Dinas Powys FC have been fielding four sides in the Vale of Glamorgan Junior Football League with iRG supplying red and black match kit for the entire 26-player squad.

“The kids love their kit,” said Bernie Wareham, one of the many volunteer helpers at the club. “They took to calling themselves ‘Team iRG’ and the pride to all be kitted out in matching gear was evident as before we only had hand-me-down kits from other age groups with a mismatch of sponsors on well-worn jerseys.

"iRG’s sponsorship means everything to us - they have been so generous in their support to make sure every child is equipped with their match kits to represent the club.”  

Blue is the colour for the Gwaelod Y Garth Under 9s, who have also bought a brand new strip courtesy of iRG, and the same is true for Georgetown FC Under 12s. A donation from iRG to buy navy blue training tops proved to be twice as nice for its 19-strong squad as they doubled up as away shirts for fixtures in the Merthyr, Cynon & Rhondda Silver League.

“With the support of iRG, we purchased quality dark blue tops for the boys to train in once a week,” said Jamie Awford, Georgetown’s team manager. “We had playing numbers put on the backs which marry up with our sky blue striped home kit meaning we have been able to use the iRG tops as away kit for any colour clashes on our travels. And the lads love them so much, they’ve been wearing them to social/team-building events too.”

Cascade YC FC Under 15s is another team to have invested in training tops thanks to an iRG donation, which they wear when preparing for or travelling to matches in the Taff Ely Rhymney Valley (TERV) League.

“The team operates entirely through sponsorships, which are essential for its effective management and ongoing success,” explained Jon Evans, one of Cascade's coaching team. “We sincerely appreciate iRG’s ongoing support which enabled us to purchase training tops for the squad but they also proudly sponsor our Player of the Match award with acknowledgments posted as part of our weekly matchday updates on Facebook.”

iRG's support of local soccer also extends to ‘one of its own’ - namely Zacch Huxtable who on Saturdays, when he’s not working as a Vehicle Damage Assessor within their Cardiff bodyshop, plays as a centre-back for Sparta FC in the Cardiff & District League where his kit is sponsored by his employer.

“I’ve been thrilled to have iRG on board as my sponsor for this season and their support has meant a great deal to me,” said Zacch, who captained Sparta’s Reserves side to a mid-table finish. 

And it is not just football where iRG has proven to be great sports – the Group has also sponsored the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team as they won this year’s Elite League Play-off Championship and supported rugby union at a local level.

Commenting on their various soccer sponsorships, Daniel Lewis, iRG’s Financial Director said: “We’re proud to be part of the communities where our branches are based and to be able to give something back to these areas by supporting local grassroots sport.

“Our logo is appearing on football pitches across South Wales every weekend which is fantastic but, more importantly, it’s great that we’re helping so many youngsters to enjoy playing the game they love whilst looking the part too.”