Shorts: Darts, Csm, Portsmouth FC

The Professional Dart Corporation (PDC) has announced TOTO as the title sponsor of the 2024 Dutch Darts Masters. 
  
The TOTO Dutch Darts Masters will see 16 of the world’s top darts players competing for silverware from 26^th to 27^th January at Maaspoort Den Bosch in the second event on the 2024 PDC World Series of Darts circuit. 

TOTO is a traditional Dutch brand and the only legal provider of sports betting in the Netherlands.

Joost Zuure, Head of sponsorships & beneficiaries Nederlandse Loterij, commented, “We are incredibly proud that we are bringing the World Series of darts to the Netherlands with the TOTO Dutch Darts Masters. 

“We look forward to offer our own TOTO Dart Kings a world-class stage in the Netherlands.” 

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter, added, “We are excited for our first visit to Den Bosch as part of the World Series of Darts schedule next year. 

“We look forward to working with TOTO, who have had a strong involvement with darts for many years, to elevate the event across the Netherlands.” 

EFL League One football club Cambridge United FC has agreed a new partnership with the University of Cambridge. 

The collaboration aims ‘to promote community, inclusion, and sport’ and will kick off with pilot programmes, including events and stadium visits to encourage underprivileged students to apply to the University and make it easier for existing students to attend games.  

Prof Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, whose remit covers University sport, said, ‘’We know that sport can inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, and I welcome this exciting new partnership with Cambridge United which I hope will help build new and positive relationships which further benefit the city and its communities.”  

Shaun Grady, Chair of the Board at CUFC added, “We are very pleased to be formalising our relationship with Cambridge University with whom we have had many different and positive contacts over recent years – and of course many of our fans work in, with and around the University itself. 

“We have identified areas where we will be looking to collaborate over the coming years: community, inclusion and sport. We are excited about the opportunities ahead to do more together for the wider benefit of the city and look forward to welcoming the new Vice Chancellor to the Abbey Stadium over the coming months.” 

London-headquartered sport and entertainment agency CSM has announced that Vicky Stickland will join Lesley Murphy as joint Regional Director for Asia.  

The pair are set to lead the team in Asia and develop the growth strategy for this market. 

Stickland previously ran a sports creative agency in the UK and later set up and led an agency out of Germany, in which she advised clients in the sports industry on brand and partnership strategy. She joined CSM in 2019 as Business Director, responsible for driving the agency’s business development, and delivering new and existing client growth. She made the move to Hong Kong in 2021 to continue working on business development. 

Stickland commented, “I am excited to be taking on this new role, joining forces with Lesley to drive our ambitions in Asia forwards. I am passionate about the work we do and I feel lucky to be surrounded by a brilliant team. With CSM recently being acquired by Wasserman, we know there is huge potential and opportunity for growth in this market.” 

Goodwood Group has appointed Joanne Diamond to the role of Partnership Sales Director.  

Jonathan Gregory, Group Commercial Director at Goodwood, said, “Jo brings a wealth of invaluable experience from her previous roles in the world of automotive. Goodwood has an outstanding portfolio of partners and her experience will be a key asset in acquiring new partners and will be a great addition to the team.” 

Prior to joining Formula 1, Diamond worked as Partnerships Director for the W Series and Business Development Manager for the Aguri Team and DS TECHEETAH Formula E Team. 

Sheffield United Women has renewed its partnership with Document Network Services (DNS). 

As per the agreement, business problem solvers DNS will continue to appear on the sleeve of United’s 2023/24 women’s playing kit for competitive games and supporter replica shirts. 

Martin Lenton, Company Director of DNS, said, “DNS Corporate are delighted to be Sheffield United FC Women’s shirt sleeve sponsor for the fourth consecutive season. We believe the team stand for everything that the city and football in general should be very proud of. Their year-on-year progression since we have been involved has been a credit to everyone at the club and we look forward to supporting them for years to come.” 

Jess Bent, Partnerships Executive for Sheffield United added, “DNS have been a key supporter of Sheffield United Women throughout their journey in the Women’s Championship, and we are really pleased to extend this long-standing partnership. Thank you to Martin and team DNS for their continued support.” 

EFL League One football club Portsmouth FC has announced a partnership extension with Hughes and Salvidge. 

Hughes & Salvidge will continue as the club’s demolition partner and sponsor Pompey’s match previews. 

Mark Judges, Director of sales at Portsmouth FC, commented, “It is fantastic to extend and expand our partnership with Hughes & Salvidge. 

“They have been a sponsor of the club for numerous years and many of their staff and clients are avid Pompey supporters. 
 
“They are embedded within our community and their market-leading services are seen nationally and internationally. We are excited to continue to work with them to and share their success alongside our own – both on and off the field.”