Metro Bank activates sponsorship with new fund

Metro Bank has re-established itself as a community bank through the launch of its “Girls in Cricket Fund,” designed to champion those that contribute to the sport.

The fund is an extension of Metro Bank’s year-long sponsorship of women’s and girls’ cricket and comes as research reveals there are still barriers deterring girls from the sport.

Danielle Lee, brand and marketing director at Metro Bank, said the funding, in partnership with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), will help move the dial on women’s and girls’ participation.

“When girls regularly participate in sport, our research shows this helps them to excel and develop in every aspect of their lives. Together, we are going to help girls fulfil their potential,” Lee says.

The fund – which the bank will commit to until at least 2028 – aims to triple the number of girls’ teams at cricket clubs by the end of 2026.

The sponsorship will also see a “cricket hub” comprising of educational material designed to share knowledge and experience among the teams.

At this year’s FP Live! in March, Lee noted the importance of aligning Metro Bank’s diversity, equity, and inclusions policies with the cricket community.

Launched in 2010 as the first high-street challenger bank in over 100 years, Metro Bank’s premise is built on “people-people banking” and promises to “do banking differently.”