News: Rotherham United team up with RiDO

Rotherham United signed a new team this week – the Borough Council's regeneration arm. The deal will boost the club's award-winning Community Trust and the council's enterprise drive to encourage entrepreneurs.

RiDO – Rotherham Investment & Development Office – has committed to a one-year sponsorship deal that will see £3,000 go into the Trust's work.

Not only will RiDO's regeneration and enterprise message be shouted loud and clear through every home-game programme, but its contribution to the Trust will see a one-day sport and "young entrepreneur" event organised.

It's hoped young members of the Trust and their families will also visit some of the four RiDO-run business centres for entrepreneurs.

The sponsorship also links in to the Rotherham Enterprise Project, and RiDO enterprise manager Geoff Link said: "We want to spread the message that it really is possible for people in our communities to start a business – especially with a strong chance of success with our professional and free support."

The Millers' commercial director, Steve Coakley, agreed that running a football club was serious business, and added: "Football is a great way to capture the imagination of young people, get them involved in exercise and encourage teamwork. This initiative is about much more than that.

"We're using football to make learning fun, helping the kids develop financial skills and improve their ability to make presentations, manage their time and solve problems."

Rotherham United website
Rotherham Investment and Development Office
Rotherham

Images: themillers.co.uk