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.”
Caroline added:
“When someone says “I can do this” the feeling is priceless. It makes me proud that I am a very small part of that and seeing them grow in confidence is just awesome. This is why I love sports.”
The story of Cotton Traders is deeply rooted in sport and camaraderie. Founded in 1987 by rugby legends Steve Smith and Fran Cotton, the brand was born in Altringham from a shared passion and determination forged on the rugby pitch in Loughborough.
Ryan Hunt, Community Sport and Innovation Manager at Help for Heroes, said:
“This expanding grass-roots initiative, generously supported by Cotton Traders, empowers veterans and their families to connect with their community, rediscover their love of sport and find their new passion. This event series is for anyone who has served.”
Nick Hamblin, CEO at Cotton Traders, added:
“Cotton Traders are proud to support Help for Heroes. We believe our Armed Forces community should live well after service, as life can be tough when a military career comes to an end, especially if it’s been cut short by illness or injury.
“This is why we stand with Help for Heroes and together we can provide veterans with the opportunity to start transformative journeys through the power of sport.”
