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On Saturday, the first-team shirt will proudly display our branding, replacing FDJ United’s usual Unibet logo and “Zero% Mission” responsible gambling message. The same activation also featured during Boro Women’s National League Northern Premier Division 3-1 win over Loughborough Lightning last weekend.
FDJ United have been partnered with Middlesbrough FC since 2018, making it one of the longest-running and most successful partnerships in British football. FDJ United’s Unibet brand remains the only gambling operator to consistently include a responsible gambling message across all front-of-shirt sponsorships.
Within the partnership, FDJ United supports the Foundation’s neurological football sessions. It is a programme that participants say is life-changing. It brings together those who are suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions, enabling them to play football, table tennis and padel on a weekly basis. Mixing socially being a vital part of wellbeing for people living with the disease.
Adrian Wrigley, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease over four years ago, has found the Foundation programme’s community support though physical activity to be invaluable: “From diagnosis, I was a bit apprehensive about what my future held. I ended up losing my job due to it. I had some big lows. I shut myself off. But since joining this group I realised the mental stimulation you get from talking to others is invaluable.
“The Foundation use the power of the football club badge to engage with people like me living with a neurological condition, and it’s given me back some of the community support that I lost from not working. I’d like to give thanks to Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation for persevering and improving lives.”
Charlotte Dinsdale, Head of Foundation, Middlesbrough FC, said: “Once again, we’re incredibly grateful to FDJ United for their support. They’ll know how much it means to us, but it’s important others know it too - support like this genuinely makes a difference.
“By raising the profile of the Foundation, we’re able to reach deeper into our communities and connect with people who might be going through challenging times and don’t yet know where to turn. Our aim is always to inspire hope and inspire confidence, but we can’t do that alone. We’re truly thankful to FDJ United for giving us the opportunity to have our name proudly displayed on the front of the Boro shirt.”
Sam Mead, UK General Manager, FDJ United, said: “We are proud of our long-standing and deeply supportive relationship with Middlesbrough FC and the club’s Foundation. The Foundation’s incredible work across the North East is not only inspiring but vital to the community.
“We encourage supporters to learn more about the Foundation’s outreach programmes and the benefits they offer.”