Meet the sponsor: Richard Higglesden of Iron Designs

Over the past few seasons, you will surely have noticed the name of Iron Designs plastered across Newhaven FC’s Men’s and Women’s team shirts.

But just who are Iron Designs and why have they so kindly acted as the club’s main sponsors in recent years?

To answer these questions, and more, the Come On You Dockers blog caught up with Richard Higglesden, Managing Director of Iron Designs, to quiz him about his company’s continued involvement with the Dockers…

When did you first get involved with sponsoring football teams?

My first involvement supporting and sponsoring local football was around 2005.

It started with Denton and South Heighton (DASH), where I became the sponsor of the then Under 7s team. My sponsorship continued with that team throughout their age groups, but I also became involved with one of the older age groups, too, and sponsored them right through until they left DASH and represented Newhaven FC as the U18s.

My two daughters also both played football from the ages of around 8-15 for Newhaven Girls. As a consequence, I also provided sponsorship for their teams and indeed became the Chairman of Newhaven Girls FC for several years. A position which I handed over to [men’s team co-manager and women’s team manager] Andy Cook when my girls stopped playing. 

How did you get involved with Newhaven FC?

 The DASH U7’s team that I initially became involved with was managed by my brother-in-law, Graham Roe (who is now the first team Goalkeeping Coach at Newhaven FC), with my nephew, Callum, playing, so there was a family tie.

Also, my Contracts Manager at Iron Designs coached the older DASH team mentioned above – and that’s where the sponsorship journey began.

What appealed – and continues to appeal – about sponsoring the local football team?

As a local lad growing up in Newhaven, I realise the importance of structure in a young person’s life. Football is so much more than just a game, it provides that structure, discipline, social skills, team building, and respect which I think is sadly lacking in society today.

Under the banner of a community club like Newhaven FC, young people can flourish and realise their dream in a safe environment. I am fortunate enough to be in a position to support the club in continuing the great work that is being done both on and off the field.

The numerous volunteers involved in so many aspects of running a football club have given the community of Newhaven a club that they can be proud of.

Have you always been a football fan?

I actually hated football at school. My interest only really started in the 1980s.

I support Brighton and Hove Albion with Newhaven FC a very close second. However, these days I prefer to watch Newhaven play rather than attending the Amex.

Keep your support and money local is my mind-set.

Did you watch Newhaven before sponsoring them?

I watched a few games in the 80s and 90s, back when Roey was playing, but, like I say, at that stage my interest in football was in its infancy.

However, since becoming involved with the sponsorship I rarely miss a game and thoroughly enjoy being around the club.

What have been your favourite memories since being involved with the club?

There are too many to mention, although Kerry Mayo pulling on a Dockers’ shirt springs to mind for me!

However, without the continued commitment by the management, coaches and volunteers there would be no memories. The progress that has been achieved, particularly in the last few years, both on and off the pitch has been nothing short of remarkable.

Martin Garry’s relentless hard work as Chairman deserves recognition and his drive to continue the progression of the club and facilities is admirable and I will be more than happy to support the club going forward wherever I possibly can.

So, what do Iron Designs do?

We design, manufacture and install Architectural Metalwork across the South-East, bespoke items such as staircases, railings, gates, canopies, balustrade, balconies etc for domestic and commercial clients.

We were responsible for carrying out various works for Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium during its construction, as well as numerous installations at the clubs training facility in Lancing.

How can anyone interested in your services find out more about you/contact you?

The best way these days is via our social media links, primarily Instagram (@irondesignsltd), which includes contact details along with images of many of our recent contracts.