Member Article

New sponsor for Avon & Somerset Police Football Team as ActionCoach Ilminster signs sponsorship deal

Avon & Somerset Police Mens Football Team is delighted to welcome ActionCoach Ilminster as its main shirt sponsor. Run by Duncan McKechnie, the business has signed a sponsorship deal that will see its branding on the front of player shirts and other kit. Avon & Somerset Football Club plays in the PSUK Championships and has been national runners up twice (2016 & 2019) in the last six years. The team comprises a mixture of Police Officers, Police Staff and Specials. They also play in the Emergency Services Football League (ESFL) where they face NHS, Fire, HMP and Military Teams in a regional and then national cup competition. After a successful start to the season, the team currently sits top of the South West ESFL.

DS Richard O’Brien of Bristol CID said: “We are delighted to have ActionCoach Ilminster on board as our shirt sponsor. The players really value having a local business involved in the club. The ongoing success of the team helps with the challenges of the day job following the recent unprecedented demands we have faced.”

From South Africa originally, Duncan McKechnie moved to Somerset in 2008. After a career in the South African Air Force as a helicopter pilot and instructor followed by 15 years in corporate roles, he launched his ActionCoach business in 2020. He helps business owners to take their businesses to new heights using tried and tested business coaching programmes.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Duncan said: “My wife and I moved to Somerset in 2008 and were amazed how incredibly welcoming the local community was. When I heard about the sponsorship opportunity with the Avon & Somerset Police Football team, it seemed like an ideal way to say thank you. Not just to our local community but also to the local police offers that have done so much to help keep us all safe, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. With a military background myself, I know just how challenging their role can be. Along with all the other emergency services, they have done a fantastic job, and I am pleased to show my appreciation by supporting the club.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caroline Saunders .