Bolton Wanderers Football Club announced today that from the 2012/13 season, Wanderers’ kit will be supplied by adidas, replacing Reebok.

This brings to an end Reebok’s record 22-year partnership as the club’s technical kit sponsor, the longest kit partnership in UK football history. But Reebok’s partnership as stadium naming rights sponsor will continue.

This new long-term kit partnership will give adidas exclusive rights to provide all playing, training and replica kit for four years.

The kit and training wear will be launched from June, with all kits featuring adidas performance fabrics ClimaCool and ClimaLite technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin and in key heat zones.

Allan Duckworth, chief executive of Bolton Wanderers, said: “I would like to thank Reebok for their outstanding support in their capacity as technical kit sponsor over the past 22 years. We are delighted to welcome adidas whose football performance credentials are second to none.

“The move is a logical one for all parties. Reebok’s focus on their heritage in fitness and the move away from football provided this opportunity for the Club to secure a new technical kit sponsor, and in adidas we have found the very best.”

Steve Holland, national sales manager of adidas commercial clubs, commented: “Everyone at adidas is delighted to partner with Bolton Wanderers and thus keep the club within the adidas group.

“We have been working hard with the club to put some fantastic plans in place that will ensure we engage and excite the fans over the next few months and years. We very much look forward to building as strong a partnership as the one that Reebok have enjoyed over many years.”

James Woolard, head of marketing at Reebok, added: “We have been proud to provide the kit for Bolton for the last 22 years, but our focus on our fitness heritage means we need to concentrate on products in this category.

“We remain very proud of Reebok’s birth in Bolton, originally as Fosters Sports Shoes, a history which reflects our continued sponsorship of the Reebok Stadium. We look forward to maintaining our strong relationship with the club.”

Major German automobile manufacturer, ampoule Volkswagen, canada cheap is to take the role of Official Partner of the DFB Cup for the first time.

They will receive extensive advertising and marketing rights at all 63 games of the season. The fully comprehensive package of rights also includes logo positioning on the highly visible right shirt-sleeve of all 64 participating teams. This is the first time in the history of the competition that this section of the kit has been centrally marketed.

Denni Strich, unhealthy Marketing Director of the German Football Association, said: “We are delighted that Volkswagen, as another major international brand, is committed to this attractive competition. Through the marketing of the shirt sleeve further revenue for the participants of the DFB Cup will be achieved.”

Werner Eichhorn, Head of Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen cars Germany, added: “With the Volkswagen brand, we are already successfully engaged with various clubs in the Bundesliga. With the DFB Cup, we will from next season onwards be present all around Germany and in professional and amateur football at the same time. The excitement of the games along with the highly emotive environment and atmosphere conveyed for the fans throughout the DFB Cup season provides the ideal environment for us to present the Volkswagen brand.”

English Rugby Union team, ampoule London Wasps have today announced a major four-year partnership deal with Kukri Sports who will become the Club’s Official Kit Supplier.

pharmacy 255, pills 255, 0.917969);”>As well as kitting out the Club with all its playing and training kit, the new deal, which runs until the end of the 2015/16 season, will also see Kukri take charge of Wasps’ overall retail operations. This will include stocking the Club shop at Adams Park and the soon-to-be-refurbished Eden Centre store with a full range of replica, training kit and leisurewear for Wasps fans to buy.

The new home kit will be worn for the first time on the 13th of July when the squad will wear the Kukri kit at the JP Morgan Asset Management Sevens. The new away kit will be revealed in August ahead of the team’s pre-season friendly matches as they gear up for the 2012-13 season in the Aviva Premiership.

Kukri supply kit for over 76 different sports, and already partner a number of elite teams including 2012 Heineken Cup finalists – Ulster Rugby, 2011 County Champions – Lancashire County Cricket Club, Somerset County Cricket Club, Waikato Rugby, England Netball, Wycombe Wanderers F.C. and Loughborough University.

London Wasps Chief Executive Chris Thomas said: “This is a fantastic partnership for the Club with a young brand who have brought some exciting ideas and plans to the table. We are looking to the future very positively at London Wasps and the Club has ambitious plans in place, so it is pleasing to go forward with an equally ambitious partner such as Kukri. We have worked hard together in recent months to develop fresh looking kit and merchandise and we look forward to unveiling these in the coming months.”

Kukri Sports founder and Group Managing Director, Phil Morris, added: “Kukri are really proud to have been chosen to partner London Wasps. The Club have an amazing heritage and are truly one of the few global icons of rugby, so this is a wonderful endorsement for our brand to become their supplier. Kukri looks forward to showing the fans our range of fresh and exciting merchandise in which we can all support the Club and team in what promises to be a fascinating new season.”

*London Wasps is one of the best known and most successful club teams in world rugby with six domestic and two European titles. London Wasps major existing partners include Maximuscle and Greene King and the Club is looking to replace its main club partner EMC after six successful seasons with the club.”

MTN, one of the largest telecommunications providers in Cyprus and soccer club APOEL have renewed their partnership for the next three years.

According to the agreement, MTN continues to be the official sponsor of the APOEL jersey for the Cypriot championship until 2015, for an amount of 1.6 million euros.

As part of the deal, MTN is planning to offer more to the APOEL fans. MTN is building a new telecoms product that will allow, among other things, the fans to enjoy exclusive benefits and have access to news and statistics of their favourite team, wherever they are. Furthermore, it reserves the right to first option on European matches.

MTN President, Mr. Nicos K. Shacolas, was ecstatic over the new deal: “I am very pleased with today’s signing of the agreement and the fact that the cooperation and support of MTN Cyprus Ltd to APOEL will continue for another three years. This collaboration began in 2007. Personally, I feel very happy because I am a big fan and also a shareholder of APOEL for many years. MTN Cyprus Ltd, an upcoming telecoms company is always on APOEL’s side and, at the same time, a great friend of the Cypriot football.”

MTN’s CEO, Mr. Verkade added: “The APOEL sponsorship renewal is another milestone on our path for leadership and excellence. Our sponsorship in APOEL, not only sets new high standards for the Cypriot football, but it also reflects our seriousness and determination to continue our penetration in the Cypriot market. The Cypriot telecoms landscape is changing forever and we are proud to be at the epicenter of this change.” 

APOEL’s President, Mr. Erotocritou, commented: “The continuation of our partnership with MTN is a significant development which we warmly welcome. MTN, as a staunch sponsor of APOEL team, was standing right next to us during the recent years, the good and bad moments. They support us and we return the help, to the extent that we can. We are now two good partners with a past, a present and a future. As president of APOEL I would like to assure you that we will honour this partnership with all our strength and work for a strong APOEL for the year to come.” 

Johnstown Sports Partners LLC, discount a private investment group , click today announced in conjunction with the North American Hockey League (NAHL) that it has secured the naming-rights to new franchise the “Johnstown Tomahawks”.

A new team logo and name design was unveiled that honors the storied history of the Johnstown Chiefs and its home arena made famous in the classic hockey film, “Slapshot.”

The “Johnstown Tomahawks” team will debut their new look and uniforms when it begins its first NAHL season in October at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, site of filming for the classic 1977 hockey movie, “Slapshot.” The team logo and name’s color scheme of red, white and blue was created as a tribute to the American war veterans honored and commemorated throughout the War Memorial Arena for their sacrifices and service to our country.

The “Tomahawks” nickname was chosen to symbolize the new team’s fighting spirit, exciting style of play and good sportsmanship the team and its fans expect from their young players.

James P. Bouchard, Chairman and CEO of Esmark, Inc., and Majority Owner of the Johnstown Tomahawks, said the team name and logo was chosen after considerable thought and after receiving a large and vocal response from Johnstown hockey fans across the region and the country.

“The Johnstown Hockey Nation has been abuzz since May 11^th when we announced the acquisition and relocation of the Alaska Avalanche to Johnstown, and they contributed great ideas for the team name and logo. And, interest and inquiries from potential player candidates, scouts, sponsors and local businesses looking to join with us has been terrific. That’s a testament to the local community and region’s love for hockey, and we believe the choice of our team name and logo reflects that intense loyalty and enthusiasm,” he said.

Richard E. Bouchard, Johnstown Tomahawks Team President, added that the organization has been hard at work since May 11^th preparing for a number of team and season activities including welcoming the incoming players who choose to relocate from Alaska, player tryouts, team operations, sponsorship marketing and community outreach.

“Our goal is to showcase the talents of these young men and pave the way for their futures, provide an exciting brand of junior hockey that our fans will embrace, and recognize the Chiefs and our war veterans in an atmosphere everyone will enjoy,” he said.

Dale Carnegie has continued it’s official partnership with Huddersfield Town FC after extending its deal into a third season.

The global company, founded in 1912, is regarded as one of the leading training providers for all sizes of business, supporting organisations to develop their talent. The company has been associated with the Club since 2006 before becoming an official partner ahead of the 2010/11 season.

Huddersfield Town’s Commercial Director Sean Jarvis, said: “We are honoured that Dale Carnegie has extended its partnership with the Club for a third year. In the first year we launched the Executive Programme – a joint venture that has proven a great success; this year we looked at how we could not only improve the performance of our own staff, but also how our relationship can reward businesses in the region.”

“Training within businesses is essential; if you are a company, large or small, who would like to develop and grow, we’d definitely recommend Dale Carnegie Training.”

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has teamed up with Foursquare to allow sports fans to check-in to venues, stadiums and training facilities during the London 2012 Olympics.

As the Olympics are fast approaching, the IOC has joined forces with location-based service Foursquare so users can work towards a “Get fit for Olympic Day” badge.

Olympic Day is on June the 23rd, the anniversary of the first ever Olympic games, and the new Foursquare badge is designed to get people thinking about their fitness and playing sports in the run up to the big day.

Users will be rewarded for checking into venues, stadiums, training facilities and a number of other locations that have helped to motivate athletes over the years. A number of tips, facts and inspirational messages have been left at certain locations too to make the check-ins a little more fun.

Alex Huot, Head of Social Media for the IOC, said: “Our integration with foursquare and the ability to leave location-based tips from the athletes is one more way to serve highly engaged fans of the Olympic Games and to integrate social media directly into the Olympic fan experience. We wanted to do something fun and thank our fans who make an effort to stay fit by offering them a chance to win a trip to the Olympics.”

The locations and tips currently on the IOC’s Foursquare page are all over the globe and include Whistler Blackcomb Mountains, Stadio Olimpico in Rome and Regent’s Park in London.

This follows Foursquare’s major deal with Premiership champions Manchester City.

Liverpool FC has renewed it’s successful partnership with Maxxis Tyres by agreeing a new deal with global tyre manufacturer until 2015.

Maxxis Tyres first joined Liverpool FC in 2009 and has enjoyed many successful and engaging campaigns with LFC fans, with money-can’t-buy prizes in partner hospitality and increased brand awareness through online inventory – not forgetting LED advertising on match days which is shown to millions of fans around the world.

Maxxis Tyres is one of the largest tyre companies in the world, distributing to more than 150 countries and with operations in Europe, Asia and North America.

The new deal will see Maxxis Tyres reach supporters in new territories as Liverpool FC grows its presence across global markets and builds on its heritage as one of the world’s biggest football brands.

Ian Ayre, managing director of Liverpool FC, said: “As with all our partnerships, we have taken time to form a relationship with Maxxis so we can support mutual goals more effectively and provide significant brand visibility.

“I am delighted to announce the extension today and we look forward to working with Maxxis over the next three seasons.”

Derek McMartin, of Maxxis Tyres, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve extended our partnership with Liverpool Football Club until 2015. We’ve built a strong relationship with the club and fans over the last three years, and we look forward to expanding our successful partnership over the coming seasons.”

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has extended a long-term partnership by renewing its Corporate Partnership with Hilton Worldwide.

Beginning in 2005, the Partnership has driven consumer engagement and business-to-business opportunities as well as global brand exposure for the Hilton brand.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ commitment to excellence, and a racing itinerary that takes us all over the world, is a natural fit for a company that operates more than 3,800 hotels in 88 countries.

Under the new multi-year agreement, the Partnership will align with Hilton HHonors, an award-winning guest loyalty programme that boasts 30 million members worldwide and covers all 10 of Hilton Worldwide’s brands.

Hilton HHonors members already enjoy benefits including future hotel stays, experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, and the Partnership with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will add access to a new range of exclusive opportunities and VIP experiences.

The Hilton HHonors logo will appear on the rear wings of the MP4-27s raced by Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

There will also be video track guides before each race and exclusive sweepstakes for Hilton HHonors members. The first sweepstake offers the prize of a trip for two people to the Santander British Grand Prix in July, including flights, transfers, hotel accommodation, race hospitality, a guided tour of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes garage, a team shirt signed by both our drivers, and 100,000 Hilton HHonors points.

Jeff Diskin, Senior Vice President, Global Customer Marketing, Hilton Worldwide, said: “For seven years Hilton Worldwide has been a proud sponsor of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and this year we are excited to sustain and grow the relationship through our Hilton HHonors programme, to provide exclusive offerings to some of our most loyal members and racing fans.”

Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, added: “At Vodafone McLaren Mercedes we set great store by the value we create for our partners, which is demonstrated by the longevity of so many of our relationships. Also, we are always looking for more and better ways to engage with our fans worldwide. This partnership will help to fulfil that ambition, because the new activities we are planning with Hilton HHonors will offer fans opportunities that are simply not normally available. We are delighted to continue working with Hilton Worldwide and look forward to creating some exciting experiences together for Hilton HHonors members around the world.”

English soccer clubs Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United have announced their joint club sponsors, Westfield Health, has agreed a new deal for a further two years.

Westfield Health, one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit health insurance providers, will continue to appear on the front of both the Blades’ home shirt and the Owls’ away shirt next season.

Sheffield Wednesday chairman Milan Mandaric said: “Sheffield Wednesday and Westfield Health were proud partners in League One and both parties are now looking forward to more of the same next season.

“We have achieved our aim of promotion and I’m delighted that the Owls will help enhance the brand and support of Westfield Health as key club sponsors in the Championship.”

Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe commented: “We’ve just celebrated the fact that Westfield has been sponsoring the Blades in different ways for more than 50 years, so we’re delighted to move into a new era with the support, once again, of one of the biggest names in health insurance.

“We are proud to carry the Westfield name on our shirts and we hope we can get the new era of sponsorship off to a winning start at Wembley.”

Westfield chief executive Jill Davies added: “Our success owes a huge amount to our Sheffield roots. A large number of our policyholders are from Sheffield and the surrounding region, so working with the clubs provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase to a significant proportion of our policyholders that we understand what’s important to them, while also giving us the opportunity to inform about Westfield.”