Mel’s in to spice it up

Pop star Sporty sponsors FC shirts

By Neil Harvey

Iconic pop star Mel C is hoping to bring ‘Girl Power’ to her local football club – after being unveiled as their new shirt sponsors!

The partnerships mark the next phase in the club’s transformation, and an ambitious effort to reclaim Sheffield’s identity as football’s birthplace. Founded in 1857, Sheffield FC are now run by a new ownership group led by Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon Mc-Clure with sights sets on growing the club both on and off the pitch.

Mel C’s support is driven by her love of football and a special place for Sheffield which she considers a significant place in her career.

The 52-year-old said: “It is an honour to support the Women’s team at Sheffield FC.

“Sheffield holds such a special place in my heart, having been such a big part of my career over the last 30 years — from writing and recording Say You’ll Be There with the Spice Girls in the city, to our first stadium show at Don Valley, and my first ever solo gig at the iconic Leadmill.

“Growing up in Liverpool, football is in my DNA, and to see the incredible growth of the women’s game, from grassroots to the international stage, is so exciting. To now have the opportunity to be part of that journey at the oldest football club in the world makes me incredibly proud.

“I’m loving the new kit and will

be wearing it with pride. I can’t wait to be cheering the team on from the sidelines! “Come on, Sheffield!” Chairman McClure said: “We want people in Sheffield and much further afield to understand just how special this club is and what it represents.

“This is the place where football began, and partnerships like these give us an opportunity to shout much louder about that while building an exciting future for both our men’s and women’s teams.”

Real name Melanie Chisholm, the ‘I Turn To You’ star will sponsor the women’s first-team shirt, while Meadowhall will take pride of place on the front of the men’s kit.

The Spice Girl has teamed up one of the country’s biggest shopping centres, Meadowhall, to support of the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC.

KIT OF ALRIGHT: The new Sheffield FC kits, sponsored by Spice Girl Mel C and the Meadowbanks Shopping Centre

SUPPORT: Melanie C

PICTURE: Sheffield FC