Sponsorship with Purpose: BCB Group’s Commitment to Women in Sports and in Crypto

Championing Women in Sport and Tech: BCB Group and Spencer Hockey Club

For the past three seasons, BCB Group has proudly sponsored Spencer Hockey Club, supporting their mission to foster a dynamic and inclusive sports community. As we enter our third season of partnership, we are excited to deepen our collaboration, showing that this partnership extends beyond financial support; it’s a commitment to promoting women in all areas.

Breaking Barriers: Women in Sport and Tech

As cryptocurrency companies rapidly expand their sponsorships in male-dominated leagues, their engagement with women’s sports remains stagnant.

This trend isn’t exclusive to the crypto world.

According to a 2021 Deloitte report, sponsorship in women’s sport was expected to grow, yet it still receives only a fraction of the funding allocated to men’s sports. As more brands recognise the value of investing in female athletes and teams, BCB Group is a leader in the field. Our partnership with Spencer Hockey Club demonstrates our genuine commitment to gender inclusivity – not just in sport, but in crypto, too.

Rachel Ramsay, Head of People at BCB Group, said: “Historically, sports fields have been dominated by men, we’re seeing a change to this which is brilliant but there is still a lot to do. We see similar themes in the crypto industry where fewer women are entering tech focussed roles.”

Rachel said that addressing this disparity is crucial: “It’s about accessibility and addressing the gender split in both sport and crypto. We’re actively working to change this ‘and create an environment that not only welcomes but supports women in roles they’re passionate about and can excel in, regardless of the outdated stereotypes.”

The statistics surrounding female participation in sports are striking. Sport England reports that 313,600 fewer women than men are regularly active, with many expressing a desire to engage more in physical activities. This lack of representation is also reflected in the cryptocurrency sector, where women have historically faced significant barriers. A study by eToro found that in 2018, only 8.5% of cryptocurrency investors were women, with men comprising 91.5%. However, recent trends indicate a positive shift – by 2023, approximately 37% of the 420 million digital currency users globally were women, driven primarily by Millennials and Generation Z, particularly in emerging markets such as India and Vietnam.

By partnering with a local organisation, BCB aims to humanise the cryptocurrency industry, which is often seen as complex and inaccessible. Our collaboration with Spencer Hockey Club helps dispel these myths about cryptocurrency and promotes a culture of openness and trust.

Additionally, by highlighting underrepresented groups, BCB Group is paving the way for future generations of women in both fields, emphasising the importance of diversity in traditionally male-dominated sectors. The team from Spencer Hockey Club says: “This partnership is about more than just sponsorship; it’s about creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of female leaders in both sports and tech.”

So why Spencer Hockey Club?

Oliver Tonkin, Co-founder and CEO of BCB Group, shares his personal connection to Spencer Hockey Club: “I live close to Spencer, I’ve been coming every weekend for the past 15 years, so I feel a strong affinity with the club. They rely on sponsorship and I wanted BCB to be part of this community club, which is integral to this part of London and aligns with our values as an organisation. Every pound that goes into the club helps it improve.”

Spencer Hockey Club stands out for its flexible approach, allowing career-focused women to continue playing competitive sport without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With training limited to once a week, players can balance their careers while remaining committed to the sport. Anna, a player at Spencer said: “I love that Spencer understands our careers come first. We train hard, but there’s no pressure – it’s a supportive space for ambitious women.”

The challenges faced by women in sports reflect those in the cryptocurrency industry, where underrepresentation, barriers to entry, and the need for role models are significant. Rachel Ramsay, Head of People from BCB Group emphasises: “Both industries are evolving, and initiatives like this help break down barriers, ensuring more women feel empowered to participate.”

Oliver Tonkin adds: “At BCB, we have a 50/50 split between men and women, reflecting our commitment to diversity. Historically, cryptocurrency has been male dominated, but we have worked hard to promote women through training and senior positions. Sponsoring Spencer’s women’s team is a natural extension of that commitment.

“The partnership has been synergistic; we are giving back, and for the team, it enables them to enhance their club and achieve their goals.”

The player perspective

Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the growth of women’s sports, and BCB Group’s support has made a tangible impact on Spencer Hockey Club, helping the team expand and provide better resources for its players. Anna, who is Head of Talent at M&S and a Midfielder at Spencer, has been at the club for nine seasons, and reflects on the transformation: “When I first joined, we didn’t have a formal kit and felt like a bunch of misfits. Now, we have two coaches, and we look, feel, and perform like a professional team. “She adds: “Having a sponsor that truly believes in women’s sports makes all the difference. It’s not just about funding; it’s about visibility and respect.” Joe Chomet, coach of the Women’s 1s, echoes this sentiment: “This partnership helps us compete at a higher level while fostering a supportive community for our players.”

By investing in women’s sports, sponsors inspire the next generation, showing young girls that they, too, can aspire to play at higher levels. Anna continues: “The sponsorship has made a huge difference for us and seeing more investment in women’s sports is inspiring. It shows we’re moving in the right direction, but there’s still work to do.”

As the partnership between BCB Group and Spencer Hockey Club flourishes, the players’ voices are filled with enthusiasm and hope.

Emma, Dietitian and Spencer player, says: “Having the backing of BCB Group makes a world of difference. I have been so impressed. It’s encouraging to know that there are organisations out there that believe in women’s sports.

“This partnership has empowered us to push our limits and achieve in the league. While there is always more that can be done around highlighting the sport, I feel that we’re really paving the way for future female athletes.”

Jill, a former international Ireland Hockey player and current player at Spencer, expresses her appreciation for the tangible benefits of BCB Group’s sponsorship, stating: “It’s great to feel the sponsorship in a practical sense — whether it’s the new kit, keeping the lights on, or hiring high-quality coaches. Having BCB come down and engage with us on a personal level is something I haven’t often experienced in other clubs I’ve played at over the years.” She adds: “Their support means we can focus on our training and development, knowing that we have a partner who truly cares about our success. I hope this partnership inspires other businesses to invest in women’s sports and recognise the talent and potential we bring to the table.”

Jill concludes: “It’s motivating to see a leader in crypto championing our league. Knowing that we have their support encourages us to work harder and strive for excellence. I believe that with initiatives like this, we can change the narrative around women in sports and in technology.”

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword

Diversity is often touted as a buzzword, but its significance extends far beyond that. Across industries, the value of diversity is becoming increasingly recognised as essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and resilience, and reducing groupthink. The experiences and perspectives of diverse individuals lead to more comprehensive problem-solving and decision-making processes.

At Spencer Hockey Club, diversity is embedded in the ethos of the organisation. The club actively promotes inclusivity by welcoming players from various backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. This approach has created a vibrant community that celebrates individuality while fostering teamwork. As Joe Chomet, the coach of Spencer Women’s 1, notes: “The strength of our team lies in our diversity. Each player brings a unique perspective and skill set that enriches our game.”

Similarly, BCB Group recognises that diversity is integral to success in the rapidly evolving crypto industry. Despite the increasing number of female cryptocurrency investors, the industry still struggles to reflect this in leadership roles, investment opportunities, and overall participation.

As Sam Shrager, CMO at BCB Group explains: “We firmly believe that gender equality genuinely improves business outcomes. By championing women in tech and blockchain, we’ve been able to hire a diverse team that means we’re more adaptable and better equipped to navigate the challenges of a dynamic market.”

Our partnership with Spencer Hockey Club serves as an inspiration for the broader conversation around gender equality, demonstrating how companies can actively promote inclusion and empower underrepresented groups.
Sponsoring women’s sports not only provides visibility for female athletes but also inspires young girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The power of local partnership

At BCB Group, we firmly believe in the power of local partnerships to foster trust and strengthen community ties. Our collaboration with Spencer Hockey Club exemplifies this commitment, extending beyond financial support to create meaningful connections within our community. Engaging with local sports teams enables us to build credibility in a sector often perceived as complex and inaccessible.

As Ross, Sponsorship Manager at Spencer Hockey Club, notes: “Sponsorship is crucial for us; every pound counts. The most significant support we can receive is alleviating the financial burden on our players. Companies such as BCB are essential in showcasing and elevating our club.”

We take pride in having our logo featured on Spencer’s playing shirts, which not only benefits the club but also helps players and audiences learn about cryptocurrency, reinforcing our position as a forward-thinking business that values community engagement. We understand that partnerships are vital for building our reputation within local markets.

Collaborating with local partners allows us to gain insights into the unique needs and values of the community, enabling us to tailor our products and services more effectively. As Rachel Ramsay, our Head of People, emphasises: “Local partnerships are crucial for us. They help us build relationships based on trust and mutual understanding, which are essential in an industry that’s often misunderstood.”

When it comes to improving gender diversity in crypto, Rachel encourages potential candidates, saying: “My advice is to give it a shot. You are not expected to know everything. If you are passionate, eager to learn, and willing to put in the effort, that will be appreciated, especially at BCB, where there is always something new to learn and challenges to embrace. Don’t shy away from opportunities.”

The sponsorship initiatives BCB has undertaken emphasise our commitment to these values. Even as we continue to grow, we set aside funds for partnerships such as this, demonstrating to women within the club, at BCB, and in the wider community that this commitment is integral to our core mission. We believe in creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender or background, feels valued and empowered to contribute to the evolving landscapes of both sports and technology.

Driving education and awareness

BCB Group’s commitment to local partnerships goes beyond enhancing our brand reputation; it’s about actively supporting community initiatives that promote education and inclusivity. Collaborating with Spencer Hockey Club allows us to connect with our local community on a personal level, enabling us to share our values and mission while demonstrating the benefits of cryptocurrency.

Oliver Tonkin, our CEO, emphasises the importance of education, saying: “My advice to those interested in crypto is simple – education, education, education. Don’t be scared of crypto. It’s an equal opportunity platform that welcomes everyone.” Through our partnerships, we are committed to providing educational resources that empower individuals to engage confidently with cryptocurrency.

To further promote inclusivity, BCB Group has also partnered with a tech boot camp to help women enter the crypto space, covering their training costs and offering them permanent roles at BCB. Additionally, we collaborate with tech agencies to identify candidates who don’t come to us directly because they might not realise that we’re an option.
By prioritising local partnerships, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact in our community while driving awareness and education about cryptocurrency. Through these collaborations, we strive to empower individuals and communities, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the evolving landscape of finance and technology.

Rachel Ramsay, Head of People at BCB Group, highlights our commitment to diversity and inclusion: “For us, it’s about diversity as a whole, showing that women and other minority groups have opportunities available to them. You can seek opportunities anywhere, and for us at BCB Group, having a diverse group of people makes it a great place to work.”

Conclusion

At BCB Group, as we enter our third season of sponsorship with Spencer Hockey Club, we envision a more inclusive crypto economy that thrives alongside diverse, engaged communities. We believe that partnerships can be powerful agents of change. As Sam Shrager, our CMO, said: “By supporting women in sports, we can help change perceptions and encourage young girls to dream big. This partnership is about empowering the next generation of athletes and leaders.”

As our collaboration with Spencer Hockey Club grows, the club expressed its enthusiasm. A member of the junior committee and under-18s coach, remarked: “This partnership is transformative. The funding is important, but it’s also about recognising women’s sports as valuable and deserving of support. This sponsorship gives us a platform to showcase our talent and inspire young girls to pursue sports.”

Our sponsorship enhances the visibility of women’s sports and fosters a strong sense of community. Joe Chomet’s insights reflect the positive impact we strive to achieve, helping to elevate the women’s team while furthering outreach initiatives. At the same time, we recognise that women in the crypto space face cultural and systemic barriers that must be addressed. By advocating for better education and training, providing mentorship opportunities, and amplifying the stories of women in crypto, we can inspire the next generation and create a more inclusive industry.

Together, we can create richer and more dynamic industries that reflect the full diversity of society. Engaging with local organisations and supporting women’s sports will be essential as we work towards establishing credibility and relevance in the evolving crypto landscape. Through partnerships that champion diversity, we intend to continue positioning ourselves as leaders in innovation and inclusivity, setting the stage for a more equitable future in both sports and crypto.

For more information or to get involved, follow BCB Group and Spencer Hockey Club on social media.