FA Renews Mars Deal Until 2018 World Cup
The Football Association (FA) has extended its partnership with Mars for another four years, until July 2018, covering that year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Mars will continue its role as a second-tier Official Supporter, alongside kit supplier Nike and bookmaker William Hill, and will remain Official Partner of the Just Play programme – which organises opportunities for casual football games in communities across the country.
Another round of free Just Play sessions will also be launched ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
Mars Chocolate UK president Kelly Simmons said: ‘We are extremely proud of Mars’ great heritage of working within football. Extending our partnership with The FA enables us to build on Just Play’s success and together we want to get even more adults back on the pitch.’
‘Over the next four years, we’ll be working to create one million opportunities to participate in a kickabout close to home. And, as a treat during the tournament next summer, Just Play for Free will encourage fans to rediscover their love of playing when football fever is at its highest.’
The renewed partnership will give Mars branding opportunities around the England national team, with a presence at England home matches at Wembley Stadium and at the national training centre at St George’s Park, while it will also be able to use official Three Lions marks on its packaging and England players in promotional campaigns.
Peter Daire, the head of the FA’s sponsorship team, added: ‘I’m delighted we have signed Mars for a further four years. Mars are great to work with and their promotion of England and Just Play is of huge benefit to the FA as a whole. It is testament to the strength of the FA Partner Programme that we are able to sign long term deals with such blue chip brands.’
The renewal was announced at an event attended by England manager Roy Hodgson and the Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott, an ambassador for the Just Play programme.
Hodgson, commented: ‘Mars has shown a genuine commitment to making it easy for adults to get back to playing football. This goes hand-in-hand with the enthusiasm of our fantastic fans and the support our team enjoys from all corners of the country. Extending The FA’s partnership with Mars is extremely positive news for the English game.’
Theo Walcott, Mars ambassador for The FA Mars Just Play programme, said: ‘The free Just Play sessions will be a great opportunity for people to dust off their boots and have a casual kickabout next summer – I’ve taken part in a number of Just Play sessions since the scheme started in 2011 and it’s a great way to get out and enjoy our national sport.’
