Aspiring Reading footballers celebrated the opening of a Caversham store sponsoring their team.

House of Cards allowed customers in to their new, larger Church Street store for the first time yesterday (August 17), closing the doors of their first shop after 29 years.

Players for Caversham AFC Under 10’s Swans handed out cupcakes at the launch in kit paid for by the card seller.

Manager of the team, Amy Ward, said; "Everyone's talking about girls' football this summer but the support we've received from House of Cards even predates the current buzz.

Reading Chronicle: House of Cards co-owner Nigel Williamson with footballers Tess, Florence and AnnabelHouse of Cards co-owner Nigel Williamson with footballers Tess, Florence and Annabel

“We are so grateful to them for being our sponsor for the last two seasons. Their sponsorship has provided shirts and covered the cost of entering Summer tournaments which all the girls have loved.

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“Helping out with the launch of their new store today seemed like a great way for the team to show their thanks and show Caversham the positive results of local businesses and local grassroots sport working together."

House of Cards recently won Best Greeting Card Retailer of the Year at the Retas 2022 Awards in London.

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The business, owned by partners Miles Robinson and Nigel Williamson, has expanded to seven stores in the South East since its inception.

Leila Wignall, Head Office Manager at House of Cards, said: “As a local business we feel it is very important to support projects and groups around us, these are our customers after all.

“We are very honoured to have sponsored Caversham AFC Under 10 Swans for the past two seasons and delighted they won their age group at the Wargrave Women and Girls tournament in May of this year.”