FRESH off the back of achieving their first league victory earlier this month, Thames Valley Tigers are enjoying a double celebration after a successful bid to receive Sport England funding – support that has allowed the team to purchase a full set of new equipment for the fledgling development programme.

Thames Valley Tigers was formed in partnership between American Football clubs Swindon Storm and Berkshire Renegades, with their U19 team having recently landed the funds to buy thousands of pounds worth of new equipment.

The team applied for the grant earlier this year and were extremely pleased to be awarded £10,000.

Alongside the grant from Sport England, Tigers have received generous sponsorship from Swindon-based business Verelogic Recruitment, which has enabled them to buy new helmets, shoulder pads, custom jerseys, other playing kit and training equipment.

Tigers head coach Adrian Mees said: “It can cost £350 to kit out one player for a game.

“We had to play our first season in mismatched, borrowed kit, but this makes a whole lot of difference to the players, and to the confidence of the team as a whole.”

Kev Metcalfe, CEO of sponsor Verelogic Recruitment CEO and whose Son Dylan plays for the team, said: “We have seen a huge growth in American Football in the UK, and we are very proud to support Adrian and the Thames Valley Tigers.

“We look forward to seeing them grow.”

Tigers have just started their season and are actively recruiting for new players.

They recorded a 22-8 victory over South East Legion at Maidstone earlier this month and return to action when they face Cambridge Cats at Supermarine on June 2.