Littlehampton football team nets major boost from franchisee sponsorship
McDonald’s Franchisee, Carel Venter, who owns and operates 12 restaurants across the Sussex area, is delighted to become the new sponsor of Wick Football Club. The sponsorship is part of a long-term investment in the club involving the grounds being named as the McDonald’s Community Centre, plus supporting the team by providing new kit and training equipment for the current season and beyond.
Carel Venter and his restaurants have supported grassroots football in the local community for many years through the McDonald’s Fun Football programme. McDonald’s is the longest-standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK and has partnered with the Home Nation Football Associations for over 20 years.
The McDonald’s restaurant in Littlehampton, which recently re-opened to customers on Tuesday 24th March 2026 following a ‘Convenience of the Future’ re-design, announced the partnership at their official re-opening ceremony. This was attended by the Shadow Business Secretary and local MP Andrew Griffith.
Local McDonald’s Franchisee Carel Venter, who owns and operates 12 restaurants in Sussex, said: “Football plays a vital role in our community, which is why we’re proud to support local teams through each of our restaurants. I’m delighted to invest and support Wick Football Club and I’m looking forward to seeing the team enjoy their upcoming fixtures. It was also fantastic to have MP Andrew Griffith with us at our re-opening where we were able to discuss some matters very important to the local community.”
Wick Chairman Matt Lander said: “We are incredibly grateful to Carel for the sponsorship and investment, and we’re excited to work with McDonald’s to continue providing football for the local community. It was an honour to attend the official re-opening of Littlehampton and announce our sponsorship.”
The McDonald’s Fun Football programme is committed to delivering over ten million hours of free football opportunities to more than one million children by 2026. McDonald’s Fun Football sessions take place across the UK, with the next wave starting in March.
To find a Fun Football session local to you visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/funfootball.
For further information on McDonald’s involvement in grassroots football follow @FunFootballUK on Twitter and Instagram.