Wirral musician Bill Ryder-Jones sponsors West Kirby kid's soccer side

Bill Ryder-Jones is sponsoring West Kirby United FC’s under 10s team, featuring the title of his new album, Iechyd Da, on their kit.

The album is due to be released on January 12, 2024.

West Kirby United FC under 10s kit (Image: West Kirby United FC)

Nick Glover, a volunteer coach at West Kirby United, told the Globe: “I approached Bill's manager to ask if he'd be interested in supporting the club.

"I love his music and I knew he ran Yawn Studios in West Kirby and was a football fan so I thought it would make a nice connection. His manager spoke to Bill and his label and they were really keen to get involved. They've been super supportive with everything.

Bill Ryder-Jones is sponsoring West Kirby United FC’s under 10s team featuring his new album ‘Iechyd Da’ on the kit (Image: West Kirby United FC)

“I think the club were a bit taken aback to be honest. I know they're always up against it with the budget, all community football clubs are, so they were really supportive of the idea and especially the chance to get their name out there with music fans who are often also football fans.”

Bill Ryder-Jones (Image: Marieke Macklon)

“The kids are funny about it. They're a bit young to understand what a big deal it is but I reckon when they're older they'll look back and think 'Actually, how cool is it that we were sponsored by a famous musician?'. Their mums and dads are more excited.

“We're hoping that this will raise the profile of the club and sell some shirts. All the money goes back into supporting the kids to do what they love at the end of the day. I've already heard from fans of Bill's who have bought the club shirt with his logo on it. It's something unique- you'll never get a sponsor like that again.”

West Kirby United FC playing in their new kit (Image: West Kirby United FC)Since announcing the sponsorship, Bill, who co-founded Wirral chart toppers, The Coral, with whom he played guitar between 1996 and 2008, is offering adult-sized shirts as well as launching a competition to win one.

Bill said: “The reaction has been really sweet. Quite a few of my followers have bought adult sizes of the shirt. I really didn’t expect that at all.

“It’s a lovely thing to do and I’m really happy I’m in the position to do it but I actually feel a bit bad for the kids as they’ll be running around with some random guy's name on their chests all season.”

Bill’s album Iechyd Da, as is written on the shirt beneath his name, comes out on Domino Recordings on January 12 2024, and the single This Can’t Go On is out now.