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Hampton and Richmond FC launch groundbreaking front-of-shirt partnership with Movember to deliver mental health programs to the Beavers community and beyond 

Hampton and Richmond FC’s players and fans will be proudly wearing shirts with a difference this season – with the Beavers becoming the first English team to have Movember’s iconic moustache adorning their kit. 

The new kit marks the launch of a groundbreaking partnership between the Club and Movember which sees the world’s largest men’s health charity take centre stage on the Club’s shirts this season. 

In keeping with Hampton and Richmond FC’s commitment to serving as a community hub and as the sole professional club in the Borough, a portion of all proceeds generated from Club merchandise and ticketing sales throughout the season will be donated to Movember. 

The Beavers and Movember will work together to raise awareness of men’s health challenges, raise important funds for Movember, and deliver mental health programmes to the community the Club serves.    

Movember’s ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme uses the sporting environment to teach young athletes, parents and coaches within community sport how to talk and approach mental health. It is one of the most evidenced sport-based programmes in the world, with considerable demonstrable efficacy and impact. 

The programme is proven to decrease stigmatising attitudes towards mental health problems and challenges, increasing intentions to seek help for yourself, intentions to help others and improve participants’ overall wellbeing. 

Throughout the season, Movember will host ‘Ahead of the Game’ sessions for young players, parents and coaches within the Hampton and Richmond community. 

The partnership, with ‘Ahead of the Game’ at its heart, signals the first step in the Beavers’ community impact strategy. As well as delivering success on the pitch, the club is committed to leveraging the platform it has in the community to bring more value to the fans and particularly young fans.   

With the reveal of the new kit taking place on Friday August 4, the team will be donning their moustachioed shirt for the first time away at Eastbourne Borough the following day. 

The partnership with Movember was introduced into the Beavers family by the Club’s newest board member, James Newman. 

James has lived in the borough for the last five years and made contact with the Club when the Petruzzo brothers formally took charge last year. James has more than 15 years’ experience in advising businesses in sports, entertainment, and technology in stakeholder engagement and developing and implanting social impact and community engagement strategies. James is passionate about mental health awareness and treatment and since 2019 has served on the Board of leading mental health charity Mind in Brent, Wandsworth, and Westminster. James’ formal appointment to the Club Board of Directors will take place once the requisite FA approvals are granted.  

Hampton and Richmond FC Principal Owner Rafaele Petruzzo said: ‘Stefano and I, and everyone on the Club Board, are very proud to announce this innovative partnership to the fans. Movember, and everyone at the Beavers organisation, share the vision that football clubs have a unique and privileged role to play in the community. The club touches so many parts of fans’ lives and at the Beavers we believe the Club should not only give back to the community on and off the pitch, but should also represent the values of the community it serves. That is why we are committed to delivering community impact strategies and partnerships such as this landmark partnership with Movember.’ 

Hampton and Richmond FC Principal Owner Stefano Petruzzo said: ‘While the world’s wealthiest football clubs respond to competitive pressure by putting money first and community second, we believe in a model that brings together commercial, sporting and community success in equal measure.  

‘The partnership with Movember is a further step towards developing the Beavers into a sustainable organisation that breeds success on and off the pitch while being a force for good in the community. By leveraging the power and impact of football on young people’s lives, not only can we continue to raise awareness about mental health and raise much needed funds, but also deploy the Club as a platform to deliver training and services to our fans and players.’  

Movember Director of Corporate Partnerships Alex Caine said: ‘We are stoked to be teaming up with Hampton Richmond Borough Football Club this Movember to embrace the power of sports to tackle men's health issues’. 

Ends 

About Movember  

Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. 

The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects around the world. 

In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives.  

The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. To donate or learn more, please visit Movember.com.