Help for Heroes has announced Cotton Traders as the official sponsor of the Community Sports Series 2025, its nationwide grassroots sports events that empower veterans and their families to transform their lives.
The British clothing retailer is the UK’s leading military charity’s longest-standing partner, raising almost £2 million since 2011.
Last year, more than 200 ex-serving personnel and their families were introduced to multiple sports at the fully accessible Community Sports Series events, ranging from powerlifting and pickleball, wheelchair basketball and walking rugby to badminton and boccia.
The inclusive weekends are designed to help veterans rediscover a love of sport and competition while connecting with their community.
Their popularity and rapid success have resulted in more Community Sports Series events being rolled out this year. Top venues are confirmed in Liverpool (for women only) in March, followed by Inverclyde, Cardiff and Birmingham.
Caroline Buckle, 45, served almost 18 years in the Army and was deployed on operational tours to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. She was medically discharged in 2014 due to a leg injury, which led to nerve damage and a debilitating condition called ‘foot drop’ but has found a new identity through sport.
“I’ve done many sporting activities with Help for Heroes, and I’ve achieved coaching qualifications with the charity, so I can coach powerlifting and indoor rowing at Community Sports Series events,” she said.
“Now I can help other members of the Armed Forces community get involved in sports, keep active and find their confidence again,” said Caroline, from Barnsley who has competed at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa, where she was proud to represent England.
“By the end of a Sports Series weekend, people will have come out of themselves a bit and will be engaging within the group. By becoming a coach, I can pay it forwards, I am able to say ‘thank you’ to Help for Heroes by coming along and helping others.”
