Shorts: Swansea, Ashes, Southampton

Swansea City has announced Reviva Coffee as its new front-of-shirt sponsor.

From the start of the upcoming 2023/24 season, the Sky Bet Championship club will have Reviva Coffee branding displayed across its playing kits.

The multi-year agreement also includes an exclusive supply arrangement. Reviva Coffee’s blend will be supplied to the Swansea.com Stadium, on the concourses, in hospitality areas, and for business conferences.

This partnership also marks a reunion for Swansea City and Gulf Oil International Limited, the owner of the Reviva Coffee brand.

Gulf was Swansea’s front-of-shirt sponsor from 1993 to 1996, including for the club’s historic 1994 Autoglass Trophy victory at Wembley Stadium.

Richard Morris, Head of Commercial at Swansea City, said, “We are thrilled to have Reviva Coffee prominently featured on the front of our home shirt throughout this multi-year agreement.

“This new addition to our partnership portfolio opens up opportunities for innovative activations that will resonate positively with our supporters.”

Mike Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Reviva Coffee, added, “We are delighted to support Swansea City as they continue their journey. This collaboration presents an excellent opportunity for us to engage with a passionate fanbase and contribute to the club’s success both on and off the pitch.”

Southampton’s Ageas Bowl has been announced as a host venue for a men’s Ashes Test Match in 2027, followed by a women’s Ashes Test Match in 2031.

The 25,000-capacity stadium has been chosen as one of five Test venues for the 2027 men’s Ashes series, which also includes Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge and The Ageas Bowl in 2027, with England Women meeting Australia Women in a Test match at Headingley as part of a multi-format series the same summer.

Hampshire CCC Chairman, Rod Bransgrove, said, “This award indicates final validation of our magnificent stadium as a genuine International and Test Match ground. The Ashes fixture in 2027 will be a historic moment for Hampshire Cricket, The Ageas Bowl and for cricket in general as England and Australia engage in a Test Match for the first time at our bespoke venue.

“For me, it represents the realisation of a long-held ambition; a dream come true. For all our dedicated staff, both past and present, the allocation of this match, the women’s Ashes Test in 2031, and the broader International and Test Match programme over this seven-year period, represents full recognition of their amazing commitment and dedication over the past two decades. I salute their efforts and cannot thank them enough for their highly valued contributions.”

Southampton Football Club Women and Starling Bank have agreed a three-year partnership renewal.

Southampton FC Women’s team, which plays in the FA Championship, will renew its deal with principal sponsor Starling Bank after describing its inaugural season working together as ‘successful’.

The three-year deal will see Starling and the Saints aim to ‘create more grassroots football opportunities for women and girls in the Hampshire region.’

The partnership renewal comes ahead of the team’s new kit launch, which will be Starling’s first sponsored shirt that’s available for general purchase.

Charlie Boss, Chief Commercial Officer at Southampton FC, said, “Our club is extremely proud of everything our women’s team has achieved on and off the pitch. Starling’s continued support and belief in our vision has been instrumental in the team’s remarkable growth and success. This renewed partnership is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both organisations to achieving greatness together.”

Rachel Kerrone, Brand and Marketing Director at Starling, added, “There has been so much progress in women’s football in the last year. We want to help the tide rise for women and girls everywhere, both in technology and in sport, and I can’t wait to see what we can do with Southampton FC Women in the next three years and beyond.”

Chesterfield Stadium will be renamed the SMH Group Stadium.

The new name for the home of the Chesterfield FC has been confirmed after financial firm agreed to take over sponsorship of the 10,000-seater venue on Sheffield Road.

Jonathon Dickens, Partner at SMH Group, said, “It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything on this scale, so it’s fantastic. It’s a new chapter in our firm’s growth and expansion. We’re really excited about it. I’m a Chesterfield lad and I’ve lived here all my life. I’ve been a supporter for as long as I can remember. We’re hoping to open a larger office in Chesterfield so hopefully this will help to build our brand awareness.”

John Croot, Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield FC, added, “The support we receive from all our sponsors is very much appreciated and we look forward to a mutually beneficial association with the SMH Group.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Technique Learning Solutions for their valued support over the last three years.”