US rock band Wheatus becomes shirt sponsor for Worcester youth football side
The Worcester‑based Nunnery Wood U13s Phoenix have secured a new shirt sponsor in the American rock group Wheatus. Coach Graham approached the band after a chance meeting at a concert in Gloucester, and the team now wears kits featuring the “Teenage Dirtbag” logo.
Graham and his son Bertie, both longtime fans of Wheatus, first encountered the band at a Gloucester gig and kept in touch afterwards. “I thought Wheatus’ logo would look amazing on a football shirt,” Graham said, adding that he asked the band if they would consider sponsoring the side and they agreed.
Graham has followed Wheatus since their self‑titled debut album arrived in 2000, and he won tickets to a meet‑and‑greet at Gloucester Guildhall in 2023. Although nine‑year‑old Bertie was too young to attend, the band arranged for him to meet the members after the event. Graham stayed in contact with bassist Matthew, noting they “had lots in common”.
Wheatus formed in 1995 and enjoyed a UK chart‑topping hit in 2000. Their follow‑up single, a cover of Erasure’s “A Little Respect”, reached number three.
Frontman Brendan B. Brown said agreeing to sponsor the team required little thought. “We have fans who are no longer fans, they’re more like family members, and Graham is one of those guys,” he explained. “Graham and Bertie are part of that family.” Brown added that the new kits looked “rad and totally awesome” and hinted that a private acoustic performance for the players could be arranged if they continue to succeed.
The band’s motivation, according to Brown, is to help remove financial barriers that might keep young people from playing sport. “Just knowing that a little bit of funding is out there making it possible for a bunch of kids to get on the pitch, that’s really enough for me,” he said. “We weren’t always in a position to donate funds to anything – lately that’s changed.”
Bertie said it would be “really cool” if Wheatus ever performed for the team, and Brown joked that a locker‑room gig might be appropriate if the players keep doing well.