Dexion Christchurch extends sponsorship with Coastal Spirit Football Club
Dexion Christchurch supports the Coastal Spirit Football Club, a partnership that’s been going strong for the past two seasons. Before that, the team had supported the club in smaller ways for over 15 years.
For Managing Director John Swallow and his wife Mel, this connection is especially meaningful. Both played for Coastal Spirit themselves, first meeting at the club in 2006, and their son has since worn the club’s colours at junior level. What started as a personal link has grown into a long-standing commitment to giving back to their local community.
“Dexion’s sponsorship is an investment not only in the club, but also in its members, its values, and the spirit that it represents,”
– Darren Johnson, Coastal Spirit FC
“Coastal Spirit FC offers a variety of programmes, both club and school-based, to keep football accessible for children and youth, including girls-only initiatives. Dexion’s sponsorship has ensured we can continue meeting this need for the community,” says John Swallow, MD of Dexion Christchurch.
Indeed, sports programmes for youths create in them a sense of belonging, encourage collaboration, and nurture leadership skills, as it develops confidence and character.
Since then, Coastal Spirit has achieved some incredible milestones:
- Men’s Senior team: 2nd then 1st in the Southern (South Island) League
- Qualified both years for NZ National League, competition for the top 10 teams in NZ
- Won the 2024 English Cup (Christchurch Club Cup Competition)
- Women’s First team: 4th in Southern League
- Multiple Top Five finishes across senior social leagues and in junior, youth, and development teams
“Dexion’s partnership with Coastal Spirit is valued by the club. As a grass-roots organisation in lower socio-economic environment, Coastal Spirit faces challenges in obtaining funding to be able to improve the affordability of the game, support the junior programmes it runs and to also deliver at a Premier level in the top leagues in the country. The sponsorship that Dexion provides goes a long way in supporting this,” says Darren Johnson, Chairman of Coastal Spirit Football Club.
John and Mel are both invested in the organisation of the club, helping it become a more professional operation through their support, advice and overall enthusiasm for the club.
“Dexion’s sponsorship is an investment not only in the club, but also in its members, its values, and the spirit that it represents,” adds Darren.
Dexion is proud to support sports initiatives that build physical fitness and healthy lifestyle habits of the next generation. Ultimately, sports provide a constructive outlet that prepares youth for the challenges of education, career, and life, giving them the chance to dream big and turn those dreams into reality.
