Lawyers Irwin Mitchell Are The New Sponsors Of The Kingston Kestrels

The Kingston Kestrels, a Hull-based para ice hockey team, have found themselves some legal friends after the Personal Injury team at the Leeds office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell agreed to support the team through a new shirt sponsorship agreement.

The Kingston Kestrels are the current British Para Ice Hockey League champions having finished last season undefeated in the league. The team also secured third place in the end of season playoffs.

The sponsorship agreement sees Irwin Mitchell become the official shirt sponsors of the Kestrels for the 2018 season.

Para Ice Hockey, a Paralympic sport formerly known as Ice Sledge Hockey, is a fast-paced, highly physical sport played by athletes with a physical impairment in the lower part of their body.

Simon Berry, founder and head coach and player at Kingston Kestrels and a Paralympian having represented Team GB at the 2006 Games in Turin in the Para Ice Hockey, said: “We are happy to welcome Irwin Mitchell on board as our official shirt sponsor for the upcoming 2018 season. 

“The firm shares a similar drive to promote the benefits of disability sport and we are grateful for their support as we look to defend our league title.

Irwin Mitchell has a strong background in supporting disability sports, having sponsored Parallel London and the firm was the Official Legal Services Provider of the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships that were held in London.

The firm’s Don’t Quit, Do It campaign seeks to support the benefits both physically and psychologically of being involved in disability sports and is supported by multiple gold-medal winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

Sarah Coles, a partner and medical negligence specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office, said: 

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“I am absolutely delighted that Irwin Mitchell are the new official shirt sponsor to the 2017 British Para Ice Hockey League champions, the Kingston Kestrels.

“I am in awe at the talent and skill levels of the team and they are fantastic to watch.

“Through our work we have seen on numerous occasions how sport has been able to help our clients with rehabilitation following serious injury. Unfortunately, while there are over 12 million people with disabilities in the UK, only one in six actually takes part in sport regularly.

“I would urge anyone who has an interest in ice hockey to go along and watch the Kestrels and offer them your support.” Sarah Coles - Partner

The Kestrels train at the Hull Arena, every other Saturday at 10:15pm. For more information on how to get involved, you can follow the team on Twitter at @KestrelsParaIce or visit their website at parasport.org.uk/find-a-club/detail/kingston-kestrels-sledge-hockey-club.

The team is made up of Ian Houlliston and Steve Gibson, who are the team’s netminders, and the rest of the team is Simon Berry, Tony King, David Parker, Dave Blakeston, James Morris, and current Team GB members Matt Woollias and Matt Clarkson.

Matt Woollias added: “I would like to thank Irwin Mitchell for their support this season and the club is looking forward to building a positive relationship with the firm.

“Their support will help to get the club into the public eye and hopefully attract people to try the sport and become part of our great club.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit, Do It campaign here.