Shorts: RFU, Crystal Palace, EFL
The RFU has appointed Ali Donnelly as the organisation’s Executive Director of Corporate Affairs.
Donnelly will assume the role in early 2025, and will oversee a range of areas, including employee and game engagement, communications, public policy, government relations, public affairs, and sustainability.
The new appointment is currently CEO of More than Equal, an organisation dedicated to identifying and developing the first female Formula 1 world champion.
Before her tenure at More than Equal, Donnelly served as an Executive Director at Sport England, where she led marketing, communications, digital innovation, and major campaigns such as the award-winning This Girl Can.
“Rugby plays a huge role in my day-to-day life, so to have an opportunity to work in the game at such a pivotal time is something I’m really excited about,” Donnelly said.
“There are challenges facing the sport right now, but I fully believe that there are also enormous opportunities to grow the game and cement its reputation as the one of the best and most exciting sports in the world.
“I’m looking forward to working with Bill and the wider team at the RFU to help continue to strengthen the game across England.”
Crystal Palace have inked local partnership with Bromley-based landscape business Fost & Co.
The deal includes brand promotion on advertising TV’s and LED boards throughout Selhurst Park.
Nicholas Foster, Director at Fost & Co said, “We look forward to contributing to their inspiring efforts.
“We are dedicated to delivering a professional, high-quality service to clients in the local area and we strive to exceed expectations in every project.”
The English Football League (EFL) has released it’s ‘Week of Action’ initiative, highlighting the role of clubs in supporting individuals and communities across the UK.
According to the report, EFL clubs and their associated charities delivered 54% more community activities during the 2023/24 season, compared to 2021/22.
Additionally, the data reveals a 30% increase in participants engaging in club-led community projects since the 2021/22 season.
To accompany the report, the EFL has released a video showcasing the significant impact its clubs have on both communities and individuals.
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said, “What’s clear from the latest report findings is that the impact and value EFL clubs and their club charities bring to society as a whole is increasing year on year, with clubs’ impact transcending far beyond the football pitch.
“We only have to look at what’s happening on the ground right now – clubs are already stepping up to ensure those most in need are ready for the winter months ahead with access to warm spaces, hot meals and even things many of us take for granted such as owning a warm winter coat.”
The Kawasaki Superteen Championship has revealed AJN Steelstock as the title sponsor for its 2025 season.
The deal comes after Steelstock was recently announcedas title sponsor of Kawasaki’s official superbike team.
The Superteen Championship, which is aimed at teen riders aged between 15 and 20, held its inaugural season earlier this year.
Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki, said, “Year one of the Superteen series was amazing, no question.
“With close battles at every round and a grid full of youngsters eager to prove themselves on identical machinery it was of course an easy decision to go again for a second year.”
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