Shorts: Ospreys, EFL, Cambridge United
Ospreys Rugby have revealed a new partnership with ticketing platform Ticketpass, who will serve as the front-of-shirt sponsor for the Welsh club’s away kit.
This collaboration reflects the Osprey’s commitment to community engagement and innovation, aligning perfectly with Ticketpass’ mission of providing a fair and enjoyable event experience while supporting charitable causes.
Renowned for its ethical ticketing practices, Ticketpass donates 50% of its booking fees to charitable organisations, enabling fans to contribute to meaningful causes by attending events.
Ospreys debuted the new away jersey, adorned with the Ticketpass logo, during the team’s United Rugby Championship clash with Munster on 5th October.
Lance Bradley, Ospreys CEO said, “This partnership represents not just a collaboration between two brands, but a shared vision for making a positive impact beyond the game.’
“This fantastic partnership opens the door for incredible possibilities, which is essential to the club as we build towards our future. I look forward to working together with Ticketpass to unlock the full potential of the partnership.”
Rodrigo Bautista, Ticketpass Founder added, “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Ospreys Rugby, a club that shares our vision for using sport and events as a force for good.
“This partnership will not only enhance the fan experience but also amplify the positive impact we can have in local communities.”
The English Football League (EFL) has launched its inaugural EFL Innovation Lab, which aims to identify tech solutions that provide value for the organisation and its 72 member clubs.
The programme, which comes as part of a collaboration with corporate innovation specialists L Marks, aims to explore various areas critical to the clubs.
In developing the Innovation Lab, the EFL conducted workshops with its clubs to identify top priorities for innovation, resulting in four focus areas.
These include engaging with the next generation of fans, the optimisation of matchday staffing and internal operations, the use of data insights to inform decision making, and solutions that help elevate the fan experience.
Through this initiative, suppliers will have an opportunity to grow by collaborating with EFL teams.
Over the course of a 10-week immersive programme, selected suppliers will benefit from mentorship by experienced business leaders, gaining insights from industry experts, and receiving the chance to pilot their solutions with various clubs.
EFL Chair Rick Parry said, “We’re always striving to help Clubs to operate more sustainably and efficiently, and find new ways to engage with their supporters, and the Innovation Lab will make a major contribution to this work.”
Daniel Saunders, Chief Executive Officer of L Marks said, “Through this inaugural programme, we will discover the world’s most innovative suppliers, delivering unparalleled value to all 72 Football Clubs. It’s fantastic to see the EFL’s commitment to building a different kind of football league and their willingness to continuously explore new avenues for innovation.”
Group 1 BMW Cambridge has renewed its sponsorship of Cambridge United Academy for the 2024/25 season.
Under the agreement, Group 1 BMW’s logo will continue to feature on the front of all academy shirts, in a deal that encompasses all age groups from U9s to U21s.
The sponsorship includes the provision of a BMW vehicle for the club’s use during Academy tournaments.
Kevin Appleton, Head of Business at Group 1 BMW Cambridge added, “Our association with the club goes back many years and has built a fantastic partnership, the development and opportunities for young people is a key ethos of our business which dovetails nicely with the work of the academy at Cambridge United.”
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