Shorts: Crystal Palace, Livescore, Jockey Club

Premier League football club Crystal Palace FC has announced Grilla as its official energy drink partner.

Grilla, which recently launched in UK, will benefit from matchday advertising, digital sponsorship, as well as upcoming social competitions organised.

Barry Webber, Commercial Director of Crystal Palace, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Grilla as they release their exciting new range of sports and energy drinks. Andrew and Grilla are passionate fans of the football club, and we are very much looking forward to working with them.” 

Andrew Bishop, Founder and Head of Commercials and Partnerships at Grilla, added, “We are incredibly excited and proud to have joined forces with Crystal Palace as their official energy drink partner.

“The team, passionate fan base and atmosphere in the stadium are widely recognised and having worked closely with the team behind the scenes we know they share that desire off the pitch to be a huge success in all they do. The team here at Grilla are looking forward to engaging with the fans and the club and sharing in what we know will be another exciting season.”

Sports media company LiveScore Group has announced the full acquisition of South Africa-based software development specialist Wonderlabz.

The Wonderlabz deal has been agreed just over one year after a £50m strategic investment into LiveScore Group from Swiss-based media and tech firm Ringier AG.

LiveScore Group initially had 25% ownership of the development specialists before the full acquisition.

Sam Sadi, Chief Executive Officer of LiveScore Group, said, “I’m thrilled to announce our acquisition of Wonderlabz, one of the most exciting businesses in the global software development space. We have grown our relationship with the fantastic people and experts at Wonderlabz over many years, and their stand-out Lithium PAM platform has played a critical role in the ongoing success of our industry-leading convergence strategy.

“I’m personally excited to work even closer with the team in Cape Town to help continue to develop a world-class tech hub in the area, one which increases the technical capability of our business and will fuel the potential for further growth. Welcome to the LiveScore Group family, Wonderlabz.”

Ben Johansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Wonderlabz Group, added, “This is a hugely exciting day for Wonderlabz, as we officially join the pioneering LiveScore Group family. Over recent years we have built an outstanding business centred on world-class software development talent, working with the likes of LiveScore Group to develop industry-leading tech solutions.

There is no doubt that in LiveScore Group, we join one of the most forward-thinking and innovative businesses in the sports media and betting worlds. I cannot wait for our people to continue playing a key role in what comes next.”

The Jockey Club has partnered with carbon and natural capital specialist Trinity AgTech and biodiversity consultants YourPact to measure the environmental impact of five of its sites across England. 

The pilot project will measure carbon emissions, carbon capture and removal and biodiversity.

Kirstin McEvoy, Sustainability Manager at The Jockey Club, said, “Preserving the environment for future generations is a core part of The Jockey Club’s mission to build a more sustainable future for British racing.

“We have to have a positive impact on the world around us both today and in the future and partnering with YourPact and Trinity AgTech is another significant step in enhancing our responsible environmental stewardship.

“We are committed to using the latest technology to do this and this exciting project will also enable us to share the findings with other racecourses and spread the benefit across the industry.”

Bethan Pugh, Director of YourPact, said, “Our mission at YourPact is to provide environmental solutions for organisations, particularly focusing on biodiversity and carbon removal projects. We are thrilled to work with The Jockey Club and Trinity AgTech and to support them with the tools and expertise needed to achieve their goals.”

Anna Woodley, Managing Director of Business Development at Trinity AgTech, added, “We are delighted to be part of this pivotal project, which emphasises the potential of technology to drive sustainability in land-based industries. The horseracing industry has a huge amount of potential when it comes to land-based environmental solutions, and we are thrilled that Sandy can help The Jockey Club with accurate measurement and insights relating to its natural capital.”

Take Her Lead, an organisation set up to advance equity and inclusion in cricket and increase participation for women and girls, has been awarded charity status by the UK Charity Commission.

The organisation, which has been operating as a non-for-profit for the last year, has worked with nearly 1000 women and girls across England and Wales, through a range of initiatives and programmes.

Take Her Lead Founder & Chair, Isa Guha, said, “Charity status is a significant milestone for us and is the culmination of a huge amount of effort from everyone involved in the organisation.

“I am incredibly grateful to our team, board, and partners. As the only charity solely dedicated to championing women and girls cricket we are in a position now to grow our offering and make cricket a place where every women and girl can fulfill their potential and thrive.”

Harry Kerr has been appointed as Head of Digital Partnerships and Distribution for the Premier League.

Kerr previously held roles at Sky, Wimbledon and MEC.

Kerr, said, “Very proud to have joined The Premier League as Head of Digital Partnerships & Distribution. Hugely looking forward to the challenge ahead and helping to grow this incredible property. A huge thanks to Alexandra Willis for the opportunity.”

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