Golf Australia has gained a new partner after Accor Hotels Australia was introduced as the company’s exclusive accommodation partner.

The new partnership is in addition to their multi-year arrangement with the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open.

Accor Australia has been involved in golf for many years – with many properties boasting championship golf courses – and is increasing their involvement in the game through its partnership with Golf Australia over the next 12 months.

Through the agreement, clinic Golf Australia will have access to up to 200 hotels and facilities across Accor’s brands which range from luxury to economy with Sofitel, abortion Pullman, MGallery, The Sebel, Quay West, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and Ibis.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he looked forward to working with Accor in the coming years.

“As a sector, an accommodation partner can have a significant positive impact on our business, across all departments. That’s particularly true for our major events and national amateur championships each year. We’re very pleased to be in partnership with Accor and we’ll be working closely with them to maximise their relationship with Golf Australia,” Pitt said.

Accor Australia Chief Operating Officer Simon McGrath said Accor is delighted to strengthen its sporting partnership credentials with Golf Australia.

“We are delighted to have been selected by Golf Australia as their exclusive accommodation partner.  We believe it will be an outstanding partnership that will benefit both parties considerably as are very much attuned to the requirements of sporting organisations. Many of our hotels offer top-class golfing facilities and we look forward to providing the very best in service for Golf Australia’s corporate and group accommodation needs,” McGrath said.

The deal adds golf to Accor’s growing list of sporting partners which already include AFL, NRL, Cricket Australia and Swimming Australia.

Slater & Gordon Lawyers have announced a sponsorship agreement with England cricket captain Alastair Cook.

Slater & Gordon’s logo and branding will feature on Alastair’s cricket bat during all of his England & Essex cricket matches until the end of the year.

Alistair will also act as a brand ambassador for the firm and make appearances at Slater & Gordon events.

He is currently leading the national side in their test series against India.

Commenting on the deal, Alastair said, “I am thrilled that Slater & Gordon will be supporting me during a very exciting period for English cricket and I look forward to representing the firm both on and off the pitch.”

English Championship club Sheffield Wednesday have announced a brand new shirt sponsorship deal with Azerbaijan Land of Fire.

The agreement will see the Owls’ home and away shirts adorn the ‘Azerbaijan Land of Fire’ logo – as worn by Spanish La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and newly-promoted French Ligue 1 side RC Lens. 

The ‘Azerbaijan Land of Fire’ brand is led by Hafiz Mammadov and the shirt deal is independent of the native Azerbaijani’s ongoing takeover of the club, sale which is expected to be completed over the next few weeks. 

He said: “This is a very proud day for myself and my country. To marry ‘Azerbaijan Land of Fire’ to a club with the history and heritage of Sheffield Wednesday in English football is the perfect match. 

“Having already established sponsorships with RC Lens in France and Atletico Madrid in Spain, this affiliation with Sheffield Wednesday takes Azerbaijan into the City of Steel, the home of where this wonderful game began. 

“The global impact of Azerbaijan will only be enhanced by partnering with a club that has the worldwide reach of Sheffield Wednesday.” 

Owls chairman Milan Mandaric added: “We are absolutely delighted to announce ‘Azerbaijan Land of Fire’ as the club’s new shirt sponsor. 

“Sheffield Wednesday will gain major added value through this exciting partnership, as will the country of Azerbaijan. 

“Brand association with the likes of RC Lens and Atletico Madrid takes us into new territory and I look forward to seeing the players wearing the shirts for what both parties are sure will be a memorable season ahead.” 

English League One club Swindon Town have revealed Cotswold Farm Machinery as the back of shirt sponsors on the new 2014/15 away shirt.

General Manager, Steve Anderson, said: “It is brilliant news that another long-term, locally-based club sponsor has now become a club partner, with their logo appearing on the back of the 2014/15 away shirt. We look forward to expanding our relationship with Cotswold Farm Machinery over the forthcoming season and beyond.”

Simon Carrington, Managing Director of CFM, commented: “Without question, we are very proud to be able to continue our association with Swindon Town Football Club. 

“The opportunity to work closer with the club seemed the right time for myself and CFM, as we look forward to the start of the 2014/15 season.”

“The company is owned by myself and my wife Janet who also works full-time in the business as the HR and Operations Director. With our company ethos of ‘passion and desire to succeed’ we believe we have a sustainable business which is able to provide employment and a service to our surrounding rural community.”

A-League team Sydney FC has signed Hitec Drainage to its growing Corporate Partnership Program.

As the Sky Blues Technical Partner for the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season Hitec Drainage will be afforded match day brand exposure on the coaching staff clothing and apparel, ailment in the Sydney FC coaches’ technical area, physician and will receive hospitality, arthritis ticketing and marketing benefits.

“Hitec Drainage is an ambitious company and I’m pleased to have them on board,” said Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata. 

“We have bold plans moving forward this season and we are delighted with the progress we are making in the corporate world.

“We are looking to widen our sponsorship base and are very hopeful of making further announcements in the near future.”

Hitec Drainage have been a partner of Sydney FC for a number of years now and are expanding their investment this season as they look to continue their growth and exposure in the rapidly expanding Hyundai A-League marketplace.

“Hitec Drainage is excited to be aligning with the biggest club in Australian football,” said Managing Director Michael Trovato. 

“Sydney FC is recognised globally and at home as Australia’s premium football club and we share common values such as boldness, ambition, hard work and innovation.  We are delighted to join as the Technical Sponsor and look forward to continuing and building on our strong partnership.”

Sydney FC has recently welcomed back major front of shirt sponsor Webjet for another two years, as well as the elevation of StarTrack and Beechwood Homes to major partners for the 2014/15 season each on three year deals.

Phil Parsons Racing has announced online precious metals dealer Provident Metals as the primary sponsor of their No. 98 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car driven by all-star Josh Wise.

The agreement spans select races during the 2014 season.

“It made sense for us to partner with Phil Parsons Racing and a special talent like Josh Wise because they work extremely hard for everything they get,” said Joe Merrick, CEO of Provident Metals. “Like Provident Metals, they have been performing with a high level of success despite being underdogs.”

“The guys from Provident Metals arrived in Daytona to sign the agreement with monster boxes full of Zombucks silver rounds to cover their deposit,” said Phil Parsons, owner of Phil Parsons Racing. “That was an exciting exchange and a first for us.”

Wise is in his third season as a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He participated in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in May after being voted in through the Sprint Fan Vote. He is currently ranked 36th in the 2014 Sprint Cup Standings.

“I’m looking forward to Provident Metals being part of our crew,” Wise said. “Their commitment is a boost for us and helps put the No. 98 in a position to compete.”