A sweet end to the season

Birmingham City Ladies, watched by England Lionesses boss Phil Neville, ended their first season with principal partners Maple from Canada on a high.

We gave one lucky competition winner the chance to lead out their Blues heroes for the final match of the season against Reading FC Women. Millie Jenkins-Caley, 10, was our winner after she named our all-natural maple sports drink as her favourite way to use pure Canadian maple syrup.

Millie said: “It was the best day ever! I really enjoyed walking out of the tunnel and onto the pitch. I loved meeting my heroes and getting my new shirt signed by all the players. I hope to be a first team player myself one day.”

Mum Sarah Jenkins-Caley said: “Millie’s fabulous prize and amazing day at St Andrews with Birmingham City Ladies will be a memory that she won’t ever forget.

“She enjoyed every single minute and didn’t stop smiling all day! We’re now looking forward to cooking with the recipe book and pure maple syrup that she received.”

Maple from Canada’s partnership with the team centres on inspiring young women and girls to take part in sport while highlighting the natural health benefits of pure Canadian maple as a natural energy source.

Throughout the season, Maple from Canada offered four youngsters the chance to meet their footballing heroes. Millie, our latest winner, received a maple-branded Birmingham City Ladies home kit, a bottle of maple syrup and a “Pure Maple Magic” cookbook.

Following the match, a 1-1 draw, Maple from Canada was invited to name the Maple Player of the Match, and nominated captain Kerys Harrop for after a solid display at left-back against a pacey Reading front-line.

For the final time this season, Blues players were found taking selfies and signing maple recipe cards with young fans at full-time.

Birmingham City Ladies now break for the summer ahead of the new 11-team, full-time Women’s Super League next season.

competition winner, Millie Jenkins-Caley, with Birmingham City Ladies FC players

competition winner, Millie Jenkins-Caley, walking out with the Birmingham City Ladies FC players

competition winner, Millie Jenkins-Caley, with the refs and team captains

competition winner, Millie Jenkins-Caley, watching the game

Maple from Canada sponsorship mention on score board

pre game huddle for the Birmingham City Ladies FC players

Birmingham City Ladies FC players taking pictures with young fans

competition winner, Millie Jenkins-Caley

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.