Club news
Written by: Joe
Lewes FC merchandise is hot property these days and our club shop has become the go-to place to buy gifts and treats for family and friends over the Christmas period.
We’re really proud of our merchandise – not just because it looks great, but also because of who makes it!
Did you know some of our iconic scarves and beanies are made right here in East Sussex?
You might not be aware that we’ve been in partnership with local social enterprise The Incredible Design Co for the past three years.
Well, we have – and we’re really proud of what IDC have done for Lewes FC and the wider Sussex community.
Who are IDC?
IDC is a centre for physically disabled people who have left formal education and experience problems accessing open employment because of their disability. The social enterprise has been running since 1995 and they’ve produced everything from printed t-shirts, mugs and banners to, you guessed it, Lewes FC merch!
“We give people the chance to experience one of the key factors of adult life,” says director Matt Barber. “Our team get the chance to meet new people and take part in running a business. It gives fulfilment to the day and independence, which is invaluable for people with complex disabilities who are unable access employment.
“We provide all the support that is required. The team don’t need to bring a carer here, they’re in on their own with their colleagues and there’s no definition between those with a disability and those without. We focus on making amazing products for people and that brings a level of normalisation to all our lives. We’re all pulling in the same direction – we’ve got to get the scarves and hats out for Lewes FC!
“That’s what makes us different. Our focus is on what we produce and not on our different disabilities. We acknowledge the disabilities we carry, make the relevant adjustments and provide the required support, and then we get on with it.”
Your hats and scarves made by IDC
IDC have been supplying Lewes FC for the past three seasons. The company began life as a project at Chailey Heritage School almost three decades ago. It was the brainchild of Matt’s dad, Graham, a teacher at the school. He was disheartened by the lack of opportunities for his students post education. In 2002 the initiative became its own charity.
“Pupils at the school were looking at going on work experience, to understand how to work in business and create products,” says Matt. “But what dad realised was people in his class wouldn’t be able to find open employment, which he felt was unfair. So, he formulated the idea of a day service for disabled adults that would allow them to experience work. A social enterprise.
“At our heart is a printing business and we supply companies, clubs and individuals up and down the country. We love creating and supplying merchandise for Lewes FC – especially as two of our disabled staff, Declan and Liam, go to every game. They love the club and and came to us as a way of getting fulfilment from work.
“It was from them knowing Lewes’ commercial officer Stef that the relationship came about. One of them mentioned ‘you know we do hats and scarves, right?’ and the relationship started from there.
“Getting orders from Lewes FC generates a real level of excitement across the staff, especially the two guys. They can proudly say they supply the club with scarves and hats. It feeds into exactly what we want, which is the feel-good factor. When they move around Lewes, they notice the bobble hats and black-and-red scarves, and think ‘we did that’.
“A lot of people still don’t know what we do but when they find out they come straight to us for quotes. Customers like Lewes FC are really tuned into that extra value in what’s being produced. I’m just glad the fanbase is getting to know the situation of the people who are manufacturing them. All of the guys are so proud to make something for a local side.”
Working with purpose-driven companies
How many football clubs can say they personally know the people who make their hats and scarves? Not many!
Lewes FC’s commercial manager Stef McLoughlin says: “We are always looking to work with companies who are impact and purpose driven, and trying to make the world a better place.
“We have loved working with The Incredible Design Co in the last three seasons, having our own local fans and season ticket holders make our scarves and hats is a real privilege.
“Matt and the gang do amazing work to help people find work and a purpose within our community. Just know that if you’re wearing a Lewes FC bobble hat or black-and-red scarf then it’s come directly from one of the county’s most impactful social enterprises.”
Typical of Lewes FC fans, you have already bought the last of our most recent order of bobble hats from IDC before Christmas. There are still plenty if IDC-made black-and-red scarves available to buy in the club shop on Boxing Day, when our men’s first team face Folkestone Invicta (3pm).