'Teenage Dirtbag' band emerge as unlikely sponsors of youth soccer team

News

Martin Macdonald | Writer

Nunnery Wood Under 13s Phoenix have struck an unlikely partnership with American rock band Wheatus.

The team play out of Worcester and their coach, Graham, and his son Bertie, both fans of the band, met its members after a gig in Gloucester.

After keeping in touch, Graham convinced Wheatus to act as the front-of-shirt sponsor for Nunnery Wood. As of October, the team has the Wheatus logo front and centre of their home and away kits.

"I thought Wheatus' logo would look amazing on a football shirt," Graham said.

"I cheekily asked if they fancied sponsoring the team, and they said yes."

Following a gig, Graham stayed in touch with the band's bassist, Matthew Milligan, as they had "lots in common".

Frontman Brendan B Brown said: "We have fans who are no longer fans, they're more like family members, and Graham is one of those guys. Graham and Bertie are part of that family.

"Just knowing that a little bit of funding is out there making it possible for a bunch of kids to get on the pitch, that's really enough for me.

"We weren't always in a position to donate funds to anything - lately that's changed."

Brown added that he thought the new kits looked "rad and totally awesome", and even suggested Wheatus could play a private gig for the boys and their families.

"If they really do very well, they do deserve at least an acoustic performance in the locker room," he said.

"Wouldn't that be appropriate, that they get a private show?"

Bertie confessed it would be "really cool" if Wheatus were ever able to perform for the team.

Wheatus are most famous for their songs 'Teenage Dirtbag' and 'A Little Respect', the latter a cover of the 1998 tune by Erasure.