Bears Foundation welcomes Principal Partner Foot Anstey

Bristol Bears Foundation has welcomed Foot Anstey as its new Principal Partner to help the Foundation expand its reach and deepen positive impact across communities in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The long-term partnership will see Foot Anstey provide financial support, pro bono legal advice, employee volunteers and other opportunities to deliver social value within the local community. Foot Anstey’s branding will feature on the front of the team shirts worn by Bristol Bears Foundation coaches and staff as they deliver programmes in schools, community settings and sporting environments across the region.

The partnership comes as the Foundation enters the next phase of its three-year 'Beyond The Bear' strategy, which sets out an ambition to use rugby as a vehicle for tackling the impacts of inequality and creating healthier, stronger and more connected communities across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Bears Foundation works with more than 7,000 people in Bristol and its surrounding areas every year, delivering targeted, needs-led programmes across four key focus areas: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Access & Inclusion and Community Rugby.

The partnership brings together two organisations committed to creating positive social change, combining Foot Anstey’s focus on responsible business and social mobility with the Foundation’s work to create meaningful and lasting change across the region.

Foot Anstey colleagues have already supported this year’s Break The Cycle, the Foundation’s biggest annual fundraising event, volunteering behind the scenes to help deliver the event. The 2026 ride raised a record-breaking £45,000, with the funds supporting the charity’s Access & Inclusion work for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Foot Anstey will also take part in Bears Giving Back Day on 9 November 2026, which sees players and staff from Bears men’s and women’s teams visit hospitals, care homes, schools, Foundation programmes and community organisations every year, further strengthening the connection between the firm and the communities served by the Foundation.

Foot Anstey is also powering this season’s new-look Foundation Community Corner on PREM matchdays at Ashton Gate, giving young supporters the opportunity to engage with a range of activities include a new giant inflatable rugby passing challenge.

Bristol Bears Foundation CEO Jamie Skinner said: “Our people are out in communities every day, building relationships and delivering programmes that make a lasting difference. This is the first time in our history we've welcomed a corporate partner and we will be proud to wear the Foot Anstey name when we're out in the community, hosting club days and using the power of sport to tackle inequality."

Foot Anstey Executive Director of Responsible Business Bola Gibson said: “One of the most important aspects of our partnership with the Bristol Bears is our commitment to their charitable foundation. At Foot Anstey, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally available. The Bristol Bears Foundation changes lives by helping people develop confidence, skills and aspirations, creating pathways to brighter futures across our communities. We're proud to support an organisation that is making such a tangible difference and helping to drive social mobility.”