Billingham Synthonia and Connor Taggart Partner with Borne to Support Premature Birth Research
Grassroots football and medical research may seem worlds apart, but this season, Billingham Synthonia and player Connor Taggart have shown how community sport can help raise awareness for an important cause.
For the 2025–26 football season, Borne stepped into the world of sports sponsorship through the generous support of a donor, sponsoring Connor Taggart as he joined Billingham Synthonia’s Northern League Division Two campaign. Borne also proudly sponsored one of the club’s matchdays during the season.
The partnership marks an exciting new step for Borne Foundation, helping bring conversations around premature birth research into local communities through the power and visibility of sport.
A Season Defined by Resilience
Founded in 1923, Billingham Synthonia has a proud footballing history and is one of the North East’s best-known non-league clubs. Originally formed by workers from the town’s ICI synthetic ammonia plant, the club famously counts legendary football manager Brian Clough among its former players.
But this season was far from easy.
After six games, Synthonia sat bottom of the table with zero points and 25 goals conceded. A new management team quickly helped turn performances around, delivering two wins and a draw, before the club faced another major setback with a controversial six-point FA deduction and significant financial fine.
Despite the challenges, the players, coaches and volunteers refused to give up. Through determination, teamwork and resilience, the club recorded impressive wins against several top-10 sides and secured survival in the Northern League on the final day of the season.
It was a story of perseverance that strongly reflects the spirit behind Borne’s work; supporting families through some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives.
A huge thank you to Borne for sponsoring and supporting me and Billingham Synthonia on this journey and battle during the season. Especially to be supported by such a good cause means a lot to me. Thank you to everyone at Borne!
”
Why Sports Partnerships Matter to Borne
At Borne Foundation, partnerships like this are about more than sponsorship, they are about raising awareness of premature birth and connecting with communities in meaningful ways.
Every year, thousands of families are affected by premature birth. Through research, fundraising and awareness, Borne is working towards a future where more babies are born healthy and full term.
By partnering with grassroots sports teams, local athletes and community organisations, Borne can reach new audiences, start important conversations and inspire support for lifesaving research.
Interested in Supporting Borne Through Sport?
From shirt sponsorships and fundraising matches to endurance events and charity partnerships, sport has the power to unite communities behind important causes.
If you would like to support Borne through a sports partnership or sponsorship opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Contact us here.
