An inspiring Birmingham City Ladies performance

As principal partners and proud front of shirt sponsors, Maple from Canada cheered on the Blues Ladies at the Automated Technology Group Stadium on Sunday, January 14th for the re-arranged winter fixture, which resulted in a 2-0 win over Bristol City Women.

And to kick-off 2018 in style, we offered one lucky competition winner the chance to lead the squad out of the tunnel pre-match.

Our partnership, which centres around promoting the health benefits of pure Canadian maple as a natural source of energy and inspiring young women and girls to partake in sport, produced another remarkable success story.

It was Birmingham who delivered a stirring display in front of goal with fan-favourite Aoife Mannion breaking the deadlock, before top-scorer Charlie Wellings finished off a brave Bristol City side with a second goal.

But for our competition winner, nine-year-old budding footballer Kaitlyn Hicks-Kenward, the best result of the day was getting to see her hero, Blues defender Paige Williams. The former Brescia star is also Kaitlyn’s football coach!

As part of her prize, Kaitlyn received a maple-branded Birmingham City Ladies home strip, which she sported with immense pride as she posed for a photo with her idol.

Following the final whistle, Maple from Canada was invited to name the Player of the Match, which was awarded to defender Aoife Mannion for another inspiring display at centre-back.

What was most warming about the experience was the gratitude that Birmingham’s professional footballers showed their young fans. England star Jess Carter, young goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and their teammates stopped to sign squad photographs and maple recipe cards at full-time.

Next up for the Blues are Yeovil Town Ladies, as Maple from Canada continues its journey to inspire young girls to get involved in sport across the country.

Birmingham City Ladies FC player throwing in the ball

Competition winner, Kaitlyn Hicks-Kenward, with Blues defender, Paige Williams

Birmingham City Ladies FC player kicking the ball

Birmingham City Ladies FC player running with the ball

Player of the Match, defender Aoife Mannion for inspiring display at centre-back

Birmingham City Ladies FC player taking a selfie with a fan

Birmingham City Ladies FC player signing autographs

Birmingham City Ladies FC players signing autographs for young fans

Did you know?

Québec exports its maple products to more than 50 countries

Everywhere it goes, consumers of all ages appreciate maple’s unique flavour.

Scientists are studying maple’s potential health benefits

Studies now underway include those on the antioxidant properties of the polyphenols naturally present in maple syrup, with a recent study indicating that maple syrup is better for cardiometabolic health than refined sugar.

Maple syrup can be used as a sugar substitute in most recipes

In cake and most dessert recipes, for each 250ml (1 cup) of syrup used, simply reduce the stipulated amount of liquid (water, milk, juice, etc.) by 60ml (1/4 cup).

A natural source of energy

Maple syrup is a natural source of energy. Check out our recipes for food and drinks before, during, and after exercise.