GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, is proud to mark a significant milestone: the tenth consecutive year sponsoring youth sports teams across the UK.

Since launching the programme in 2017, we’ve backed thousands of young athletes in everything from football and rugby to cricket, boxing and Irish dancing.

Grassroots sport gives young people far more than a place to play. It builds confidence, teaches teamwork and creates a genuine sense of belonging, on and off the pitch.

Our sponsorship is designed to remove the barriers that stop young athletes from taking part. From new kits and equipment to tournament entry fees and training facility access, we’re committed to ensuring that no young person misses out simply because of cost. This season, teams representing football, rugby, basketball, diving, curling and disability sport will all benefit from GAP’s support.

Meet the Teams

Scotland

1. Stewarton Annick Football Club – Aged 11-12 Boys Football

2. West End FC – Aged 15-16 Boys Football

3. Falkirk FC 2010 – U15 Boys Football

4. Team Kay – Curling

5. Troon Thistle YFC 2017s – U9 Boys Football

North East 

1. Bronte Team – U14 Boys Rugby

2. Derek Dooley FC – Aged 12-16 Disability Football

3. Dearne and District – U10 Girls Football

North West

1. Cheetham Juniors – U11 Boys and Girls Football

2. Waterhead Warriors – Aged 13-14 Girls Rugby

3. Runcorn Linnets Roma – Aged 8-10 Boys Football

Midlands

1. Haunchwood Hearts – U11 Girls Football

2. Walsall Wizards Basketball Club – Aged 12-14 Basketball

3. Sandwell Diving Club – Aged 11-17 Diving

South East

1. Middleton Cheney Football Club – U12 Girls Football

2. Canvey Island Pumas – Aged 10-11 Boys Football

3. South Darenth FC – U9 Boys Football

South West

1. Oakdale Mini & Junior Rugby – Aged 6-16 Football

2. FRYS – U15 Girls Football

3. Lytchett Minster Rugby Club – U7 Rugby

London

1. Gray Wanderers FC – Aged 7-16 Girls and Boys Football

2. Harefield United Football Club – U14 Football

3. Fullerians Rugby Club – U14 Boys Rugby

 Douglas Gordon, Group Major Account Director at GAP, said:

“Ten years. It still feels like one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. There’s something about grassroots sport that reminds you what community really means, coaches giving up their weekends, families on the sidelines in all weathers, young players who just love the game."

"We don’t just put the GAP logo on a kit and step back. We stand behind every one of these teams, and we’re genuinely proud to do it. Here’s to a fantastic 2026/27 season!”

As the 2026/27 season gets under way, GAP will be following every team’s progress closely, sharing updates, celebrating achievements and cheering them on throughout the year.

Follow GAP on social media for updates and highlights from each of the sponsored teams throughout the year.

GAP Hire Solutions leads the UK's equipment hire industry, offering an extensive range of construction equipment for all sectors. With our specialist divisions and over 200 locations nationwide, we provide reliable solutions in Plant, Tools, Welfare Services, Non-Mechanical Plant, Pump, Power & Environmental Services, Trenching & Shoring, Tanker Services, Lifting Services, Survey & Safety and Event Services.

As a family-owned business with over 55 years of experience, GAP reinvests a higher percentage of our turnover into our fleet than our competitors, ensuring customers benefit from access to world-class equipment. Our independence allows us to make quick, long-term decisions, delivering effective solutions.