Proud Sponsorship of British Army Veteran Stef Proietti
The heart of Yorkshire’s resilient spirit, where tales of camaraderie and unyielding determination are woven into the very fabric of the land, lies a story. This story embodies the true meaning of service—both in uniform and beyond. It is perfectly illustrated in the dedication and empowerment found within the community of athletes who play Wheelchair Rugby.
At Staines Safety Services Ltd, we are not just a company dedicated to safeguarding lives through expert fire risk assessments, door surveys, and extinguisher maintenance across the UK. We are a family forged in the fires of shared experiences. Today, we are thrilled to shine a light on our latest act of support. We are sponsoring Stef Proietti, a remarkable British Army veteran and player for the Castleford Tigers Wheelchair Rugby League team.
A Bond Forged in the Ranks
Our story begins not in the boardroom, but on the training grounds of the 1st Battalion, The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire. It is a storied unit with roots stretching back to the 17th century. It was known for its valour in conflicts from the Crimean War to modern operations. Here, amid the rigours of military life, that our Director, Gary Staines, first crossed paths with Stef Proietti.
After leaving the Army Stef underwent spinal surgery which unfortunately left him confined to a wheelchair. No longer able to continue his oven cleaning business, Stef turned his energies to new horizons. He found solace and strength in adaptive sports, especially in Wheelchair Rugby.
Charging into Wheelchair Rugby League
Enter wheelchair rugby league: a high-octane fusion of strategy, power, and sheer grit. In this sport, players propel themselves across the pitch in custom chairs, tackling with precision and scoring tries that echo the thunder of professional rugby. Stef, with his unyielding drive, joined the newly formed Castleford Tigers Wheelchair team. This side burst onto the scene late last season and has since become a force to be reckoned with.
In 2025 alone, the Tigers have etched their name into the annals of the sport. They clinched the Wheelchair Challenge Trophy in April, triumphing over North Wales Crusaders in a hard-fought final at the University of York. Teammate Luis Domingos was named Player of the Match for his decisive try. They then stormed to victory in the Betfred Championship Grand Final in September. They defeated their opponents in a thrilling showdown that capped a meteoric rise.
Staines Safety Services: Safeguarding Heroes On and Off the Field
At Staines Safety Services, based in the North East and serving clients nationwide, our mission has always been clear: to protect what matters most. From bespoke fire safety plans for small guest houses to comprehensive audits for larger enterprises, we simplify compliance so businesses can focus on thriving. Yet, our commitment extends far beyond regulations—it’s personal. When Gary learned of Stef’s continued service to his community through wheelchair rugby, he knew we had to step up. Sponsoring Stef isn’t just about kit or visibility. It’s about honouring a brother-in-arms and investing in the resilience that defines our armed forces community.
Our support will equip Stef with the resources to excel on the pitch, whether that’s custom gear enhancements or travel assistance for away matches. More importantly, it’s a nod to the shared history of the 1st Battalion—a regiment that safeguarded Britain for centuries up until 2006. This history is now echoed in Stef’s fearless play for the Tigers.
As Gary puts it, “Stef’s story reminds us why we serve: not for glory, but for each other. In sponsoring him, we’re keeping that flame alive.”
A Call to Celebrate and Support
As the Castleford Tigers gear up for another season of dominance, we invite you to join us in cheering Stef on. Follow the Tigers at castlefordtigers.com, catch a match, or simply share his story. If you’re in need of fire safety expertise, remember: we’re here to protect your world, just as Stef protects his team’s honour. To resilience, to rugby, particularly Wheelchair Rugby, to comrades past and present—here’s to Stef Proietti and the Castleford Tigers. Onward!
Staines Safety Services Ltd: Fire Risk Assessments, Door Surveys, and Extinguisher Services UK-Wide. Contact us at stainessafetyservices.co.uk for a safer tomorrow.