17th February 2023 – Isuzu UK’s recent football competition has come to a climactic close, with the grand prize worth £1000 being awarded to winner Rosie Shipp.
The competition, which ran under the tagline of IsuzuFC, consisted of entrants sharing videos of themselves attempting to do as many kick-ups or ‘keepie-uppies’ as possible while tagging the video with #IsuzuFC. Alternatively, the videos could be sent directly to Isuzu UK for review via direct message in order to enter the competition. Rosie Shipp, from Cornwall, won the competition with an impressive total of 62 consecutive kick-ups, earning her a £500 tools voucher from a retailer of her choice and a £500 endorsement for AFC St. Austell’s Ladies team, her local non-league football club. For the winning photoshoot, local Isuzu dealer Roger Young also provided a display vehicle on the football club grounds.
As the runner-up, Luke Witham, who displayed admiral tenacity with 41 kick-ups, multiple video submissions, and even football skills, was awarded a £50 tools voucher from a retailer of his choice and an Isuzu merchandise bundle.
St Austell AFC, established in 1890, has a rich history in football. Originally based at Rocky Park, the club later relocated to its current home ground at Poltair Park in the early 1900s. Over the years, the club has competed in the Plymouth & District League, the Cornwall Senior League, and was a founding member of the South Western League in 1951. Today, the club boasts four competitive teams, including a youth squad, and is recognized by their distinctive white home kit, earning them the nickname “Lillywhites.” The club continues to compete in the highly competitive South West League.
The Isuzu FC programme represents the newly formed Isuzu Football Community, rather than Football Club, and will be utilised by the brand in all football-related activities moving forwards. As the driving force behind non-league football, Isuzu UK acknowledges that a local football club can often be the heart of a community and is regularly run by a team of dedicated volunteers and supported by local people. This is something that both Isuzu UK and the widespread Isuzu dealer network are pleased to support.
Speaking on Rosie’s football performance, Assistant Manager of St Austell AFC, Ben, stated: “Rosie signed for St Austell ladies in summer 2022, plays centre midfield and is known for her tricks and skills. Just 19 years old and she has already established herself as a vital first team player; Tough tackling, good endurance and covers 10km per game.”
George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, commented: “We were blown away by the level of engagement throughout this competition, and it’s so refreshing to see passionate individuals, like Rosie, who genuinely care about making a difference in their local community. IsuzuFC is all about bringing people together who have a shared love for non-league football, and everyone who entered this competition truly embodies the spirit of the Isuzu Football Community. We are proud to be the driving force behind non-league football and look forward to continuing our journey with the Isuzu FC programme.”
