FORTY years after its original sponsorship of Southampton Football Club, Draper Tools has named Saints Foundation as its charity partner. 

The Hampshire-based tools business announced its commitment to support Saints Foundation after the foundation's team visited Draper Tools’ offices. 

Tom Draper, Director at Draper Tools, said: “As a family business, the local community is very important to us and we feel incredibly proud to be partnering with Saints Foundation.

"It’s been an honour getting to know the charity and the vital work they do; we’re so pleased to be supporting this.  

“Our history with Southampton FC really makes this partnership feel extra special, it’s something everyone here is excited about.

"We look forward to working closely with charity and fundraising for them in future.”  

Draper Tools first sponsored Southampton Football Club for nine years from 1984 to 1993, during which time players including Alan Shearer, Matt Le Tissier and Francis Benali made their debuts.

It is now sponsoring the club's charity.

Jazz Bhatti, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Saints Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the next chapter in Draper Tools’ long partnership with all things Saints.   

“By naming us Saints Foundation as their Community Charity Partner, they will help us reach out to the most vulnerable people in our city, with our projects supporting participants to become healthier, empowered members of their communities.”   

The foundation was created as the charity of Southampton Football Club to support and give back to the city promoting healthy living and creating a community. The Saints Foundation now works with thousands of people each year across all age ranges with the oldest member at 99.  

Saints Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the 2021/22 football season.

Find out more about two decades of its life-changing impact here in Southampton by visiting: southamptonfc.com/saints-foundation