Sheffield FC land Melanie C and Meadowhall as new shirt sponsors for 2026-27 season

Sheffield FC have unveiled Spice Girls star Melanie C and shopping centre Meadowhall as shirt sponsors for the 2026-27 season.

Sporty Spice will sponsor the women’s first-team shirt, while one of the country’s biggest shopping centres will feature on the front of the men’s kit as The Club looks to raise its profile both locally and nationally.

Founded in 1857, Sheffield FC are recognised by FIFA as the world’s oldest existing independent football club still playing across the world.

And the new ownership group, including Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure, is aiming to raise awareness of Sheffield’s place as football’s birthplace.

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Special

The United Counties League Premier Division North outfit have now brought in two high-profile sponsors as part of those plans.

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.”

Melanie C added: “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!”

Proud

The new kits were launched this week with a photoshoot in Sheffield by sports photographer Pete Martin, who has previously photographed the likes of Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and David Beckham.

The Meadowhall partnership has also been promoted on The Screens on Sheffield Parkway, with Sheffield FC and the shopping centre displaying a message welcoming people to the ‘Home of Football’.

Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: “As a proud Sheffield establishment, we’re incredibly honoured to join Jon, Melanie and everyone involved in this exciting next phase of Sheffield FC’s journey.

“The kits look amazing and we’re right behind the club in helping them to mark, and celebrate, its rightful place in the history of the beautiful game.

“It’s a very big, and very special, moment for us to be a part of.”

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