Shorts: Sunderland AFC Women, Wembley, Nottingham Forest
Sunderland AFC Women have unveiled baby brand Nuby as the team’s front of shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 Women’s Championship season.
As well as securing kit inventory for the upcoming campaign, UK-based Nuby will also invest 20% of the sponsorship fee into the development women’s football at the club.
The funding help support Sunderland AFC Women’s U21 team, as well as the Emerging Talent Centre, and the club’s official charity partner, the Foundation of Light.
James Russell-Watson, Head of Marketing at Nuby, said, “Nuby’s positively stoked to be partnering with SAFC Women in an exciting time for the team itself and women’s football at large.
“As a brand we’re naturally invested in personal growth, both figuratively and literally, so to be helping the Women’s and Women’s youth squads grow and develop is very much aligned with our values.”
Wembley Stadium has appointed Mark Lynch as the iconic venue’s new Stadium Director.
Lynch joins from the RFU, where he served as Executive Director of Venue, overseeing operations, revenue, events and long-term development plans at Twickenham Stadium.
Prior to his tenure at English rugby union’s governing body, Lynch worked as Operations Director at Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In his new role, Lynch has been given the brief of managing the overall delivery of events at Wembley, as well as overseeing day-to-day operations, dales and revenue at the 90,000-seat stadium.
“Wembley Stadium is an iconic venue recognised around the world,” Lynch said.
“It has a history of hosting the biggest and best sports, music and entertainment events and I look forward to continuing that work in the next stage of the venue’s development.”
Nottingham Forest have inked a five-year deal that designates Sodexo Live as the club’s catering partner.
The hospitality services firm will deliver a premium hospitality and retail experience at the City Ground, the Premier League outfit’s 30,445-seat home.
Under the new agreement, Sodexo Live will provide a range of services, including matchday retail operations, the fan zone, premium hospitality delivery, as well as non-matchday sales and marketing.
The City Ground has recently undergone a ‘multi-million pound’ renovation to its hospitality facilities, with Sodexo Live set to introduce new menus that will aim to enhance the dining experience.
The company will additionally offer matchday food specials throughout the stadium.
Claire Morris, CEO of Sodexo Live UK and Ireland, said, “This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity to bring our food expertise in retail, event catering and hospitality to one of the Premier League’s most historic clubs.
“We are committed to creating an exceptional stadium experience for fans and visitors, ensuring that every match day and event is memorable.”
Brentford has entered a multi-year partnership that will see Destination Sport Travel oversee the club’s matchday squad and corporate travel needs.
The sports travel management specialist handles travel arrangements for 40 elite teams, including Premier League teams.
Sportsbreaks.com, another brand under the Destination Sport umbrella, will offer a range of exclusive ticket packages, including a premium experience at the Gtech Community Stadium, and an overnight stay in a London hotel.
Fran Jones, Commercial Director at Brentford, said, “There are Brentford fans in all corners of the world that are hungry to experience matchdays at the Gtech.
“These packages are going to help them get here and experience for themselves what it means to be a part of the Bees family.”
Paul Hemingway, Managing Director at Destination Sport Group, added, “Destination Sport Travel supported Brentford with its team travel requirements throughout the 23/24 season and now will continue to do so as part of an expanded partnership, alongside a full roll-out of our market-leading sports business travel service.”
Crystal Palace have secured a new partnership with Sydenham-based EFAM Air, naming the local ventilation experts as the club’s ventilation partner.
The two-year agreement highlights EFAM Air’s commitment to improving air quality in the community and supporting local initiatives through the Palace Foundation for Life.
As part of the partnership, EFAM Air’s branding will be featured on advertising boards throughout Selhurst Park, with the company set to also become a local partner of the Premier League Kicks community programme, which aims to use football to foster safer and stronger communities.
Barry Webber, Chief Commercial Officer at Crystal Palace, said, “We’re delighted to welcome EFAM Air and Karl Edwards, a local business and lifelong fan, as our new Ventilation Partner.
“EFAM Air has been providing cleaner air for our community for over 25 years, and we’re excited to collaborate on projects that truly make a difference.”
Karl Edwards, Founder and Managing Director of EFAM Air, added, “The entire EFAM Air team is honoured to support the Club and the Foundation in achieving their goals over the next two years, both on and off the pitch.
“We look forward to bringing a healthier way of living to South London.”
Derby County has revealed the University of Derby as the new front of shirt sponsor for the club’s women’s team.
As per the agreement, the University’s logo will feature on the team’s kits throughout the 2024/25 season.
The deal comes ahead the Ewes’ season opener against Wolves on 25th August, as the team kicks off their campaign in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division, the third tier of English women’s football.
The University has been a partner of Derby for the last decade and has collaborated with the club on several projects and campaigns.
Through the latest deal, the Derby County Community Trust and University will team up to enhance its Elite Player Pathway for female footballers aged between 16 and 21.
This will enable players to stay with Derby for five years, while also receiving full-time education. The Female Talent Pathway meanwhile will help develop players for the senior team.
Stephen Pearce, CEO at Derby County, said, “Our relationship with the University of Derby is a longstanding one and we’ve built up some excellent relationships whilst working alongside its talented team.
“The partnership has been successful for both parties and gone from strength to strength, with this new sponsorship being a prime example.”
Charlton Athletic have extended their partnership with ITRM for the 2024/25 Season.
The managed service provider has been a partner of the League One club since 2014, offering a range of technology services including IT support, cyber security, and consultancy.
The partnership has driven the club’s digital transformation by enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the wider community through the Charlton Athletic Community Trust.
Barry Higson, Charlton Athletics’ Head of Commercial said, “At Charlton Athletic, we understand that strong partnerships are essential for success.
“The synergy between our organisations has enabled us to achieve great things, and ITRM’s support is truly invaluable as we look forward to building on this partnership in the coming year.”
England Netball have announced a new partnership with Sports Tours Ltd, which will aim to expand the reach and enhance the experience of netball tournaments across the country.
Building on the success of the 2024 Great Yarmouth tournament, this collaboration will bring Sports Tours Ltd Netball Tournaments to new locations, offering more opportunities for players to compete and enjoy the sport.
The partnership will see the introduction of two new locations, Bournemouth and Blackpool in addition to the return of the Great Yarmouth tournament.
These events will provide netball teams with the chance to participate in a two-day tournament, enjoy a weekend away with their supporters, and experience the attractions of these vibrant destinations.
Amy Buckle, Head of Partnerships at England Netball said, “We are thrilled to welcome Sports Tours Ltd as a partner and look forward to working together to expand their netball offerings.
“Sports Tours Ltd has a strong commitment to delivering exceptional events for the netball community, and this partnership is an exciting opportunity to connect them with our members who are eager for more competitive events.”
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