Vauxhall Seals Football Association Deal
Vauxhall Motors has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Football Association that sees the car manufacturer replace Nationwide as its lead partner.
The deal comes as a huge boost to the FA who had been searching for a sponsor after turning down an offer from Nationwide to expand on its 11-year association with the organisation.
The agreement runs from 1st January 2011 to 31st July 2014, encompassing UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland-Ukraine and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
In addition to becoming lead partner to the men’s senior national team, the partnership includes sponsorship of all other 23 England sides – including the women’s teams, men’s youth teams and all the England disability sides.
It will also see Vauxhall become the official vehicle supplier to the FA and the governing body’s official youth partner, covering activities undertaken to promote football in the 12-18-year-old age group.
FA General Secretary Alex Horne said: ‘Through a difficult economic climate we have concluded a deal of considerable value to the FA and we can now look forward with optimism. Everyone is aware of the difficulties of last year, but we have an opportunity to move forward and there is much in 2011 to be excited about.’
‘It is also significant news that Vauxhall are also our official youth partner for 12-18 year olds, a key area of attention at the moment. Adrian Bevington, Sir Trevor Brooking and I have been investing a lot of time on our plans for Youth Development and this partnership will be key to those plans.’
Vauxhall Managing Director Duncan Aldred said: ‘We have a strong heritage in supporting football including official sponsorship of the highly successful UEFA Euro ’96 Championship in England.’
The agreement was negotiated by The FA’s sponsorship team, led by Peter Daire who commented: ‘I’m delighted that we are announcing the England lead partner for the next two major tournaments, sitting alongside our existing official supporter and official supplier agreements.’
Vauxhall is also reportedly close to tying up deals with the other UK nations – citing rumours of a return for the Home Nations Cup.
Horne did confirm that the FA was in talks with the other nations about resurrecting a tournament – but only as a one off to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Football Association.
‘We’re talking to the home nations about a possible one-off round of matches with them but I think we’d be talking about a series of one-off matches in 2013 to mark our 150th anniversary,’ said Horne.
To see Fabio Capello, Alex Horne and Duncan Aldred reveal the announcement and hear more from them on the deal watch our exclusive video on Sport Industry TV here.
