English Championship club Rotherham United have signed a five-year deal with ICT supplier GCI for the delivery of internal communication systems and other IT provisioning.
“In the modern era successful and reliable IT and telecoms have become imperative, and with GCI on board we know we are working with one of the best in the country,” said Commercial Director Steve Coakley.
“Having worked with GCI previously I know they will deliver high levels of consistent performance which will further improve our internal telecoms and IT. “It is a long-term partnership and I am looking forward to a long and fruitful association going forward.
GCI’s Jonathan Ashley said: “We are certainly looking forward to building a close relationship with Rotherham United, we know we have the support and expertise required to ensure the club is working with the most optimised and latest technologies on the market today, and we believe that with our support we can ensure maximum output for the Millers at all times.”
Fulham FC have appointed UK financial institution Metro Bank as their Official Community Banking Partner on a two-year deal.
As the Club’s Official Community Banking Partner, seek Metro Bank will be working alongside the Fulham Football Club Foundation to create the Metro Bank Football Skills Club. This will give the children of Metro Bank customers the opportunity to access free tickets to some of Fulham Football Club’s home fixtures, purchase as well as take part in exclusive football skills sessions with certified coaches.
The partnership will see the Championship Club banking with its local Metro Bank store in Fulham Broadway. It will also provide a framework for the education of Fulham’s youth team players, anabolics who will be supported and encouraged to learn more about managing their finances.
Craig Donaldson, CEO of Metro Bank said: “As a community bank, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with local people and businesses, and we’re delighted to be working with Fulham FC on such an exciting and engaging partnership. We opened our Fulham store and became a part of the Fulham community three and a half years ago; it’s a strong community that we’re proud to be a part of and we look forward to continuing to support the local area.”
Alistair Mackintosh, Fulham Football Club, CEO, added: “We are very excited about the prospect of a partnership with Metro Bank and are delighted to welcome them on board as we embark on the new season. We look forward to their involvement with our banking needs, as well as encouraging new young Fulham fans through the Football Skills programme.”
English League One side Preston North End have announced they have agreed a deal with Virgin Trains to become the Club’s official shirt sponsor.
The parties have signed a two-year-deal that will see the national rail provider with their brand on the front of all first team, youth team, Academy and replica kits.
The deal will also benefit Lilywhites supporters, who will see the launch of a new travel partnership scheme giving them discounted travel on the Virgin Trains network.
Speaking about the deal North End manager Simon Grayson said: “The new shirt looks fantastic and to have such a well-known and successful brand on the kit shirt reinforces the history and tradition of our great Club in attracting such interest.”
Michael Stewart, Commercial Business Partner for Virgin Trains said: “Preston has such a great footballing heritage that we jumped at the chance to become the club’s new sponsors. We know how much PNE means to the city, one we have been proud to serve since we took over the services on the West Coast Main Line back in 1997.
“We are extremely excited about the prospects for the new season and look forward to hosting Simon Grayson and his team when they travel to some key games in the south. Fingers crossed they can go one better this campaign and secure a place in the Championship.”
Swiss watch manufacturer OMEGA has renewed its partnership with the PGA of America through 2022.
The new agreement will see the Swiss maker of prestige watches continue to serve as Official Patron and Official Timekeeper of the PGA of America for another eight years beginning in 2015, cough further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to the growth of the game of golf globally and across the United States.
“We are delighted to extend our agreement with the PGA of America through 2022, medstore ” said OMEGA President Stephen Urquhart. “With our tournaments in Europe and Asia, OMEGA has long supported the growth of golf as a global game, and our involvement in the premier events organized by the PGA of America – including the much-anticipated 2014 PGA Championship – has given us a fantastic platform to develop the brand in the important American market.”
In 2011, OMEGA entered into a far-reaching strategic marketing and sponsorship agreement with the PGA of America. In September 2012, OMEGA and the PGA of America announced that they elevated their partnership to an elite status that raised OMEGA’s brand designation with the PGA from “Official Partner” to “Official Patron.”
The new long-term partnership will continue to enhance the brand’s rich history in sports as Official Timekeeper of the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Ryder Cup (when held in the United States), PGA Professional National Championship and PGA Golf Properties.
The extended agreement also includes advertising on golf telecasts of PGA of America championship events, marketing support for the PGA’s player development efforts and support for PGA members and their facilities.
PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua said: “We’re delighted that OMEGA, a company deeply committed to precision and excellence in its products, connects to the game of golf and the PGA in such a comprehensive manner. The fact that they will remain a major sponsor of our championship events and owned-and-operated golf facilities, as well as a proud supporter of PGA Professionals everywhere, speaks to the unique position the PGA carries as the experts in the game and business of golf.”
British clothing manufacturer Henri Lloyd has been announced as the Official Technical Clothing Supplier for the 2015-16 and the 2017-18 editions of the Clipper Race.
The two-race deal was announced in Cowes, price viagra Isle of Wight on board the winning 2013-14 entry Henri Lloyd -50 Years of Pioneering Spirit, by the founder and chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and CEO William Ward alongside Paul and Martin Strzelecki, joint CEOs of Henri Lloyd.
Henri Lloyd’s extensive experience and knowledge from over 50 years of product development will provide the crews with the very best in extreme foul weather gear protection as Paul Strzelecki, Joint Chief Executive of Henri Lloyd, explains.
“Henri Lloyd has been the technical clothing partner to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race since 2002 and the next two races will mark the seventh and eighth edition of the race that we have provided technical clothing to the crews as they race around the planet. Our experience over the past 12 years of working with the Clipper Race crews, ensures that future crew members will be kept warm, dry and protected from the elements that they will encounter.”
Sir Robin was a lifelong friend with the late Henri Lloyd clothing founder Henri Strzelecki, who he first met in 1968 at Earl’s Court Boat Show in London, where he purchased a set of foulies for his solo circumnavigation. Sir Robin understands the importance of having the right clothing for the conditions and types of weather the crews will face during their global challenge.
“Henri Lloyd has been the Official Technical Clothing Supplier of the Clipper Race since 2002. Time and time again they have proven that they are the best at kitting out our crews.
“This was no better demonstrated than during a man overboard incident in the North Pacific in the last race – the crew member’s Henri Lloyd drysuit played a pivotal role in saving his life before he was rescued after 90 minutes in the freezing ocean.”
Henri Lloyd celebrated 50 years as one of the world’s leaders in sailing and lifestyle apparel last year. The Clipper 2013-14 Race marked the first time UK company has sponsored its own entry in the Clipper Race while providing the wet weather clothing for the 670 international crew who took part.
English League One team Coventry City FC have announced a new two-year sponsorship deal with sports analysis company STATsports.
As part of the deal, ampoule the STATsports name and logo will be carried on the Sky Blues away kit and on the back of the home and away shorts.
The company provides a huge range of fitness data and performance monitoring through its software system. Players wear a small Viper pod during training and practice games which measures and transmits the data, cough which can either be monitored live or collected and analysed by coaching staff.
The STATsports name and logo will be carried on the Sky Blues away kit and on the back of the home and away shorts.
The deal will see Steven Pressley and his staff have use of the full range of STATsports software and equipment.
Steve Waggott, the club’s development director, said: “This is a major commercial agreement which will give Steven and his staff access to some of the most cutting-edge fitness and performance monitoring services available in sport.
“STATsports work with some of the leading teams across a range of sports and really allow managers and coaches to have all the information to build a fully comprehensive fitness programme, and monitor the physical performance of their players.
“Steven is a very progressive manager who constantly strives to use every advantage, and he identified STATsports services as a key component of his programme.
“This deal has allowed us to sign this partnership agreement – something that ordinarily would be way beyond our budget. We are very much looking forward to the start of what we believe will be a very fruitful relationship with STATsports.”
STATsports founder and managing director Alan Clarke said: “”We are delighted to begin our partnership with Coventry City Football Club, a club with an iconic and fantastic history. As part of our relationship it will be our privilege to supply our technology to the club from first team down to academy level.”
English League Two club Oxford United have signed a new partnership with Process Systems International Limited who will become back of away shirt sponsors.
They join front of shirt sponsors Isinglass on the brand new white and purple away shirts.
Founded in the UK in 1992, anesthetist Process Systems International Ltd is a leading specialist in bespoke pump design for the global energy industry with an enviable reputation for quality and longevity.
Miles Dilkes , therapy Technical Director for PSI said: “We are delighted to play a part in supporting the development and success of Oxford United.”
Tony Davison, medstore Oxford United’s Commercial Director, said: “These are exciting new partners for Oxford United. The new Board have opened up a lot of new opportunities for us and the shirt sponsorships are companies who we are delighted to have on board.
“Black n Rounds have already built a great reputation and are a young company full of energy who we are pleased to have on the home shirts. Both CWPL and PSI are established international companies and they believe that there is something special happening here at Oxford United which they wish to be part of.
“Alongside our friends at Isinglass we now have four varied, exciting commercial partners for the season ahead each generating significant revenue for the club.”
The announcement follows deals for the club with Black n Rounds and CWP who will become home shirt sponsors.
US swimmer Michael Phelps has signed a deal with Aqua Sphere who will provide his race suits.
Phelps, who had spent his entire professional career with Speedo, will work with Aqua Sphere to try to help expand the sport of swimming even more. The deal is expected to run until 2020 and will include his coach Bob Bowman
“Michael Phelps is one of the select global icons in all of sports, while Coach Bob Bowman is a true swimming mastermind,” said Todd Mitchell, business line manager, Aqua Sphere. “We are honored to align our rich history of innovative aquatic technology and international distribution with their passion for the sport and commitment to share their knowledge and experiences with others in this collaborative line.
“Their positive impact and influence in the aquatics community transcends cultural borders. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to inspire and educate consumers about the full lifestyle of swimming through a premier brand complete with instructional context that will minimize the barrier to entry, regardless of skill level.”
“Bob and I share a passion for swimming that goes well beyond practice sessions and competitions, and we have always talked about how we could improve different aspects within the sport,” said Phelps.
“I benefitted from being exposed to a tremendous swimming curriculum at the entry level that helped propel me through the various stages of the sport; over time, I realized that such programming and instruction is not widely available, and so we have tried to address that through programming we develop at the Michael Phelps Swim School. We’ve also seen over the years how certain technical aspects of swimming products and teaching aids could be improved, not only for the elite-level competitive swimmer, but also for entry-level and fitness swimmers.
“With Aqua Sphere’s product design and development capabilities, we believe there is an opportunity to help make the sport more inviting to others by recognizing that everyone begins at different levels, requires assistance matching their skills with products, and lacks the appropriate context in order to maximize their swimming experience.”
Baltimore-based STX, apoplectic LLC, a global sporting goods leader, announced today that it has signed a multi-year agreement to be an official equipment supplier to the US Lacrosse Women’s National Team.
As part of an agreement through 2017, STX will provide members of Team USA with custom STX products including sticks, heads, goggles, gloves and bags. STX will also be a presenting sponsor of US Lacrosse’s Women’s National Team events, including the 2017 FIL Women’s World Cup in Surrey, England. In addition, STX will be an official equipment sponsor to the U.S. Women’s National Under-19 Team.
Team USA athletes Alyssa Murray, Sloane Serpe and Taylor D’Amore, who all recently signed with Team STX, will train and compete with STX equipment on Team USA.
“The best players in the world should use the best equipment in the world,” said Kadie Stamper, Women’s Lacrosse Brand Manger. “With three First Team All-Americans already representing STX on the global stage, this new sponsorship will put STX equipment front and center with the women playing the game at the highest level.”
Bath Rugby have extended their partnership with CircleBath, taking the partnership between the Club and the region’s leading hospital into its fourth year.
In addition to using the Radiology department for all imaging needs, the players also enjoy access to the expertise of CircleBath’s world-class consultants – including Dr Julian Widdowson, who is both Lead Practitioner for Sports Medicine for the hospital and a Consultant at the Club.
Richard Mack, Head of Sports Medicine at Bath Rugby, said he was delighted to be continuing the relationship with the hospital: “The nature of professional sport is that access to top-class medical facilities is time critical, and our partnership with CircleBath allows for expediency in this regard. Their thorough work and great service allows us to make informed decisions on the treatment of our players.”
