The rail operator has donated £10,000 to its grassroots footballing namesake.

LNER FC was set up in 1923 and is based at the LNER Sports and Social Club at Wembley in North London.

The club was originally established for staff of the ‘Big Four ‘railway company after the ‘Grouping’ of that year.

Its football club now plays host to over one hundred young people and runs youth teams from Under 7s to Under 13s.

The modern operator which carries the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) name has donated £10,000 as part of its Customer and Community Investment Fund.

As well as helping to provide money for new footballs and pitches, this will also help cover the cost of league fees and referees’ expenses.

The club’s kits will now carry LNER branding, as the rail operator becomes the shirt sponsor of LNER FC for the next two years.

From its humble origins as a tin shed where train crew could stop for a cup of tea, the LNER Sports & Social Club has hosted a variety of sports teams over its history, including cricket, darts and pool, as well as its many football teams.

It is an important meeting place for local children and the wider community in the area.

LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund helps to support a range of different charities in communities all along their East Coast Route.

Causes, including helping to develop employability skills for marginalised groups, mental health and environmental sustainability, all benefit from the fund.

The rail operator is, therefore, particularly pleased to be partnering LNER FC after more than a century of shared history.

“We are delighted to support LNER FC, a vital community hub that encourages children and young people to enjoy sport and all the benefits it brings. Given LNER’s history with the club, we couldn’t think of a more perfect partnership, and we wish the teams our very best as this year’s football season progresses.”

Rachael Wilson, Community Investment Manager at LNER, who also looks after LNER’s Customer and
Community Investment Fund

“We are incredibly grateful that LNER has chosen to support LNER FC and our young players have enjoyed starting the football season playing in their new kit. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership and building on our many years of history together.”

Bill Gibbons, LNER FC