The Port has announced that its pioneering community project, aimed at 18’s and under, will support more local teams than ever, and help individuals to reach elite level in a variety of new sports including martial arts, karting and trampolining. A total of 28 sponsorships have been awarded.

This year’s Sponsorship Scheme was the most competitive since it launched in 2023, with double the number of applications compared to 2024. A quarter of the total pot will fund new kits and equipment for 14 sports teams across Kent: 12 being grassroots football and two, rugby.

Jenny Beacon, CSR and Community Executive said:

“The Port of Dover leads a diverse range of local outreach projects, which together, provide important support across many different corners of the community.

“The Sponsorship Scheme is one of our newest initiatives, and in its third year, has made a huge difference to the physical and mental wellbeing of young people. It provides the perfect step up to help people reach their potential, whilst giving them an identity and sense of pride and ambition.

“We thank everybody for applying and look forward to seeing first-hand the brilliant competitions taking place this year.”

14 youth teams of various age groups from Dover and the surrounding areas will wear new kits displaying the Port’s logo this season.

The top-level sponsorships include:

• Ollie Scott, competing in para triathlon with an ambition to reach the next Paralympics and LA Games.
• Ava Chappell, a member of the Pentathlon Talent Development team, aiming to represent GB at the Olympics in modern pentathlon.
• The Dover Lifeguard Club, supporting over 150 members in their training and development.
• Harry Young from the Kent County football team, who is team captain and travels to compete across England.

The coach of the U12 Girls Deal and Dover District football team commented:

“You are positively enriching their experience this season, and as a self-funded team, your support is not only the difference between whether the team is successful or not, it ensures that it’s able to run.”

Footballer Harry Young added:

“The Port of Dover has funded my participation in the Kent County football squad for the coming season. Playing for Kent allows me to represent Dover in national competitions. As the season progresses, it will help me to improve my recovery and injury prevention, using a specialist sports physio.”

You can follow the journey of all the Port of Dover 2025 sponsorships on social media. Further details on the 2026 Sponsorship Scheme will be announced in Autumn 2026.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port.
• As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.
• Dover is an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 different cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is at the centre of the revived waterfront, plus opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.