Manarama National League Unveils Prostate Cancer Match Balls

23 Oct 2019 | chris.mcmullan@sportindustry.biz

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Vanarama has unveiled a special ‘Manarama’ ball for use in a National League game to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer.

The bright blue and orange Vanarama X Prostate Cancer UK ball will feature in the MANarama National League match between Chesterfield and Notts County, which will be broadcast live on BT Sport. Four balls have been created by manufacturer JAKO, which will be auctioned off for the charity after the match, while 25 replica balls will be given away by the Manarama campaign.

Unveiled at the end of a six-week campaign to rename the league the MANarama National League for the second successive season, the ball will also feature quotes from four men who have been diagnosed with the disease, and who have all helped to raise thousands of pounds for the charity since then. The initiative also won the Event or Competition Sponsorship Award at the Sport Industry Awards 2019.

Andy Alderson, CEO & Founder, Vanarama, said: “We sponsor the National League because we are well aware of the power that football has to bring people together to prompt discussion. Creating this special, one-off ball, was a way to highlight the special role that football can play in prompting fans to talk about Prostate Cancer, raise awareness of the disease and offer support to those suffering from it. We’re hoping that the auction for the balls raises plenty of money for a deserving cause.”

Michael Tattersall National League Chief Executive, said: “The MANarama campaign always captures the imagination of football fans and this one-off ball is a great way of starting conversation. It perfectly encapsulates how football can help those who are battling the disease. Whether it be pre-match, during half-time or after the final whistle, men should be talking about prostate cancer.”

Angela Culhane, Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive, added: “We pride ourselves on being on the ball in the fight against prostate cancer, a disease that kills one man every 45 minutes. This is a purpose worth uniting for, and from changing the name of the league and now introducing a bespoke ball, it’s been wonderful to play a part in the ground-breaking MANarama campaign over the past two years, and we thank both Vanarama and the National League for their unwavering support.

“Seeing our ‘Man of Men’ logo, and the quotes from four men affected by this disease on the ball is a hugely powerful way to raise awareness of the dangers of prostate cancer. The stories of Lloyd, Kevin, Phill and Errol will trigger emotions of hope, heartbreak and humility, but they also drive our determination to make prostate cancer a disease the next generation of men need not fear.”