The Middlesbrough FC (MFC) Foundation is poised to make a significant impact this weekend, thanks to an inspiring gesture by its principal partner, Kindred Group. During the highly anticipated match against Hull City on Saturday, 30 November, the usual Unibet logo will be replaced on MFC players’ shirts to showcase the Foundation’s pivotal role in the Teesside community.

Middlesbrough FC Foundation Shines as Kindred Group Spotlights Community Initiatives

This initiative aligns with MFC’s Foundation Weekend, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the Foundation’s diverse programs aimed at enhancing lives across the North-East.

Kindred Group’s Commitment to Community Engagement

Since the beginning of its partnership with MFC in 2018, Kindred Group has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the club’s community efforts. This partnership, set to continue through 2027, is among the longest-running collaborations in British football.

Kindred’s decision to donate its front-of-shirt sponsorship to the MFC Foundation for this special weekend underscores the company’s focus on social responsibility. Typically featuring the “Zero% Mission” responsible gambling message, the shirt space will now highlight the Foundation’s work, including initiatives addressing mental health, social inclusion, and education.

A Powerful Symbol of Community Support

Sam Mead, UK General Manager at Kindred, expressed the importance of this collaboration: “Our relationship with Middlesbrough FC and their Foundation is a long-running, deep and supportive one. We are all aware, and incredibly proud of, the Foundation’s incredible work in the North-East community. As such, we are delighted to once again donate our normal front-of-shirt space to the Foundation for this weekend’s fixture against Hull City.”

Key Programs Driving Change in Teesside

The MFC Foundation runs a variety of initiatives designed to uplift and empower individuals across Teesside. Among its standout programs is “Think With Your Feet,” a unique initiative that blends mental health support with the love of football.

Think With Your Feet: Tackling Mental Health Challenges

This program offers local men a safe and supportive space to discuss their mental health challenges while participating in football activities. By fostering open dialogue and encouraging connections through sport, the initiative is making significant strides in reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being.

Earlier this season, MFC star Isaiah Jones joined participants for a heartfelt conversation about the program’s positive impact. This moment was captured in a video shared widely with fans, reinforcing the importance of the Foundation’s outreach efforts.

Educational and Social Inclusion Projects

Beyond mental health, the Foundation engages in several other impactful initiatives:

• Education Programs: Designed to help young people develop key life skills and improve academic performance.
• Youth Inclusion: Providing after-school programs and safe recreational spaces for young people to stay active and engaged.
• Employability Workshops: Equipping individuals with the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce.

MFC’s Foundation Weekend: A Celebration of Community

Foundation Weekend serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the MFC Foundation and amplify its message across Teesside. Fans attending the match against Hull City will have the opportunity to learn more about the programs available and how they can get involved or benefit from these initiatives.

Kindred Group’s Sam Mead encouraged fans to engage with the Foundation: “In the spirit of what this weekend is all about, we would urge supporters to seek out the MFC’s outreach programs if they feel they could benefit from the various initiatives on offer.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

The collaboration between Middlesbrough FC and Kindred Group is a testament to their shared commitment to creating positive change. By integrating community support into its sponsorship strategy, Kindred Group has set a benchmark for socially responsible corporate partnerships in football.

A Legacy of Support

The partnership’s longevity—spanning nearly a decade by 2027—demonstrates the depth of Kindred’s dedication to MFC and the North-East community. This enduring relationship has not only supported the Foundation’s programs but also amplified its reach and visibility, ensuring lasting impact.

The Role of Football in Community Empowerment

Football clubs have a unique ability to unite and inspire communities, and the MFC Foundation exemplifies this power. Through its initiatives, the Foundation is transforming lives by addressing critical issues such as mental health, education, and social inclusion.

The decision to dedicate this weekend to the Foundation’s work highlights the broader role football can play beyond the pitch, fostering meaningful connections and driving societal change.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Teesside

As the MFC Foundation continues its mission to improve lives across Teesside, the partnership with Kindred Group ensures sustainable growth and innovation. The focus remains on creating a lasting legacy of empowerment and inclusivity, cementing Middlesbrough FC’s status as a club deeply rooted in its community.

Conclusion: The Support

The spotlight on the MFC Foundation during this weekend’s fixture against Hull City is more than a gesture—it’s a celebration of the incredible work being done to uplift the Teesside community. With the unwavering support of Kindred Group, the Foundation is set to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

FAQs About the Middlesbrough FC Foundation and Kindred Group Partnership

1. What is the purpose of the partnership between Middlesbrough FC Foundation and Kindred Group?

The partnership aims to spotlight and support the community initiatives led by the MFC Foundation, addressing key issues such as mental health, education, and social inclusion in the Teesside region.

2. What special initiative is taking place during the match against Hull City?

During the match on Saturday, 30 November, Kindred Group will replace the Unibet logo on MFC players’ shirts with branding that promotes the Foundation’s outreach programs, as part of MFC’s Foundation Weekend.

3. What is the significance of the MFC Foundation Weekend?

The Foundation Weekend is an annual event designed to raise awareness about the MFC Foundation’s programs, celebrate its achievements, and engage fans in its mission to improve lives across Teesside.

4. What community programs are supported by the MFC Foundation?

Key initiatives include:

• Think With Your Feet: A program combining mental health support with football.
• Education Programs: Helping young people develop life skills and achieve academic success.
• Youth Inclusion Projects: Providing safe spaces and activities for young people.
• Employability Workshops: Equipping individuals with the tools to enter the workforce.

5. What is the “Think With Your Feet” program?

It is a mental health initiative offering local men a safe space to discuss challenges while participating in football. The program fosters connections, reduces stigma, and promotes open dialogue about mental health.

6. How long has Kindred Group been partnered with Middlesbrough FC?

Kindred Group has been a principal partner of Middlesbrough FC since 2018, and the partnership is set to continue through 2027, making it one of the longest-standing sponsorships in British football.

7. Why is Kindred Group donating its front-of-shirt sponsorship space?

This gesture highlights Kindred’s commitment to social responsibility and its desire to promote the MFC Foundation’s initiatives, amplifying its message to a broader audience during a prominent fixture.

8. How does this partnership benefit the Teesside community?

The partnership enables the Foundation to expand its programs and reach more individuals in need, addressing critical issues like mental health, education, and social inclusion. It also raises awareness among fans and the wider community about available resources.

9. What role does football play in the Foundation’s programs?

Football serves as a unifying platform in the Foundation’s initiatives, helping to foster connections, encourage participation, and provide a sense of community among participants.

10. What message did Kindred Group share with MFC supporters?

Kindred Group’s UK General Manager, Sam Mead, urged fans to explore the MFC Foundation’s outreach programs if they believe they or someone they know could benefit from the initiatives.

11. What is the long-term goal of the MFC Foundation and Kindred partnership?

The collaboration aims to create a lasting legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and community support, ensuring that the Foundation continues to positively impact lives across Teesside for years to come.