St. George’s Park, The Football Association’s new National Football Centre has gained a new Official Healthcare Partner in the form of Spire Healthcare, one of the UK’s leading private hospital providers.

With less than a year to go until the opening of the centre at Burton upon Trent, Spire Healthcare’s arrival at St. George’s Park will further add to the growing sense of anticipation amongst the English football community of the centre’s burgeoning status as a hub for the whole game.

Spire will be operating the facilities under its new Perform brand. At its core, Perform at St. George’s Park will provide a sports medicine, treatment and performance centre, with an emphasis on sports science and human performance. The partnership will create the first totally integrated sports medicine centre, supported by an advanced research programme, that is open to sport and the general public.

St. George’s Park will aim to be the very first FIFA F-Marc Medical Centre of Excellence in the UK, joining an exclusive club of only 22 other such leading facilities across the globe.

Within a 30,000 sq ft complex, there will be a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, a physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit, as well as fitness and general health screening and diagnostics.

David Sheepshanks, Chairman of St. George’s Park, said: “The appointment of Spire Healthcare is a seminal moment in the development of St. George’s Park. We have secured a medical partner who shares our aim of creating a comprehensive National Sports Medicine facility that can serve the needs not only of football but the wider sporting community.

“The spheres of Sports Medicine and Sports Science and the study and improvement of Human Performance are very much compatible with that of Coach Education, another key plank of the St. George’s Park Business Plan. We are extremely excited about this new partnership with Spire Healthcare, which provides us with a joint platform of medical and sporting integrity, so important in meeting our combined objectives.”

Neil McCullough, Business Development Director at Spire, says: “We’re incredibly proud to work alongside The Football Association and be partners at St. George’s Park. The Perform at St. George’s Park facility will provide world-class treatment, research and education – this is a very exciting time for sports science and human performance medicine in the UK.”

Ian Beasley, Head of Medical Services at The FA, added: “St. George’s Park is a dream come true to those working in football medicine and science in this country. Gaining FIFA Centre of Excellence status will be a real fillip to our industry.”

Spire Healthcare is the latest in a growing list of commercial partners for St. George’s Park, headed by Lead Partner Umbro. Construction of St George’s Park is already well underway and the centre is on-track to open in the summer of 2012.

North American Motorcycle organisation AMA Pro Racing and the Army National Guard announced today an extension of their existing partnership, which names the Army National Guard as the Official Department of Defense Branch of AMA Pro Road Racing and title sponsor of AMA Pro Road Racing’s premier Superbike class.

Additionally, AMA Pro Racing will be naming a new $50,000 year-end points fund for the Superbike division in honor of America’s soldiers and to reflect the relationship that the series has with the Army National Guard. The 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing season will mark the Army National Guard’s fourth consecutive year of series support. 

David Atlas, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing, said: “The Army National Guard is an incredible American institution that we are proud to be partners with. The men and women that serve our country are the true heroes of the modern age. It is very rewarding for us to have the opportunity to show our support for those heroes and to promote the Army National Guard and its recruiting efforts.”

The Army National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces and one of the longest enduring U.S. institutions. The fast-paced environment found at AMA Pro Road Racing events attracts a high-energy, dedicated fan base which provides a high degree of potential candidates for recruitment in the Army National Guard. Since the partnership began in 2009, there has been a steady expansion in cooperative promotional activations at AMA Pro Road Racing events, exposing the loyal fans of the series to the many exciting opportunities available in the Army National Guard. 

One of the most prominent promotional activities featured at AMA Pro Road Racing events is the National Guard 2-Up ride-along program. The National Guard 2-Up program is an outreach tool that gives soldiers, dignitaries and media representatives the opportunity to ride on the back of a specially-prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000 in order to offer an expanded understanding of motorcycle road racing and to emphasize the importance of proper safety equipment and riding techniques to rider safety.

New for the 2012 season, AMA Pro Racing and the Army National Guard will introduce “Guard Minute” features as part of the official series and local media coverage for each event. These features, which will be distributed via the AMA Pro Racing website, social media outlets and other media channels, will showcase the Guardsmen in attendance at events and the prominent contribution that they make to the excitement of AMA Pro Road Racing events and to the sport of motorcycle racing as a whole. 

The new agreement also provides for the Army National Guard to have an expanded title sponsorship role with the “Paddock Chatter Blog” on the AMA Pro Racing website. The “National Guard Paddock Chatter Blog” is hosted by SPEEDTV announcer Greg White and features insider news and information on AMA Pro Road Racing riders and teams. Recognizing the importance of rider development, the Army National Guard also plans to have an expanded role in the fostering of the rising stars of American motorcycle racing in the 2012 season.

The 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing season will kick off with the historic Daytona 200 Week, scheduled for March 15-17, 2012 at Daytona International Speedway. Please visit www.nationalguard.com for more information on the National Guard. 

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.

Australian National Rugby League (NRL) team, St George Illawarra Dragons have renewed their partnership with St.George Bank for a further four years.

The new deal will continue until the end of the 2015 season and will extend St.George’s period as Major Sponsor to 12 years.

St.George Bank’s Managing Director NSW & ACT, Greg Kenny made the announcement at the St.George Illawarra Dragons Training Session on Tuesday.

“St.George has been a partner of the Dragons at varying levels for more than 30 years, and I am excited to announce that we have again extended our commitment as a major partner,” said Greg Kenny.

“St.George Bank is here for the long haul and we are proud to commit to such an iconic football club that has a strong supporter base across NSW, but none stronger than here in the heartland of Sydney’s South & the Illawarra.

“There are some great initiatives behind the partnership such as the St.George Community Challenge which we created during the last term partnership to give local juniors a chance to play on the ground at all the Dragons NRL home games with more than 60 junior clubs being involved since its inception.

“We would also like to congratulate Wayne Bennett for what he has achieved during the past few years – leading the team to great heights not only on field by taking home the NRL Premiership Trophy in 2010 but their strong commitment and contribution to the community off field and we look forward to the next four years under Steve Price’s leadership.”

St George Illawarra Dragons Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust said he was thrilled that the historic partnership between St.George Bank and the Dragons would continue beyond the current four-year agreement.

“It is always said that St.George Bank and the St George Illawarra Dragons are a natural fit for a partnership and we are very pleased and proud to be able to continue our association for a further four seasons,” said Dragons Chief Executive Peter Doust.

“Their support is a vote of confidence that our club will offer a mutually beneficial arrangement in this ever competitive and demanding business environment.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the St.George Bank Executive and senior staff for their confidence and efforts throughout the renewal process and we look forward to continuing to work together on our joint objectives over the coming years.”

After acquiring the signature of the world’s most renown golfer Tiger Woods, Fuse Science and its parent company, Double Eagle Holdings, Ltd has now signed another prominent athlete to its roster, Boston Red Sox Designated Hitter, David Ortiz.

Similar to Gatorade, Fuse Science develops various proprietary technologies that look to provide quick and efficient delivery of essential nutrients.

“I am excited to be part of the FUSE Science family which is presenting breakthrough technology that will help my performance and energy,” said David Ortiz, “I started using FUSE Science’s EnerJel product and I am amazed at how it has helped me stay in great shape. EnerJel helps me with pain relief and provides natural energy in a matter of minutes. I believe that you need to keep your body in perfect condition to be competitive throughout the long baseball season, especially as you get older, and FUSE Products help me do that.” (

The ‘EnerJel’ product referenced by Ortiz will be the first product released for Fuse Science — a gel-type, anti-inflammatory/energy source that is applied to problem areas.

Adam Adler, CEO of FUSE Science, said: “This is another big day in the Powered by Fuse world. We are taking major steps to ensure the Powered by Fuse Team represents the best and we are very pleased that the one and only Big Papi has decided to join our team.”

iSportconnect were one of the first to report on Tiger Woods new alliance and the partnership with the American will no doubt raise the profile of Fuse science. While the branding building power of a slumping Tiger Woods and an aging David Ortiz remains to be seen, if Fuse Science is able to capitalize off of one or both of the athletes the endorsement deals will be well worth their money.

Sahara Force India has extended a technical agreement with British communications firm STL until the end of the 2014 season.

Vijay Mallya, sick Team Principal and Managing Director, here said: “STL plays an important role in our operations at the factory and at the race track. For example, the telephone system installed at our Silverstone head office and at the wind tunnel in Brackley helps create a virtual office across two sites.

“As well as this, our travelling staff can attach themselves to our main communications network and use their usual telephone extensions, make calls and access voicemail wherever they are in the world.

“Understandably, this technology improves the efficiency of our organisation and helps generate significant cost savings.”

Heading into the 2011 finale in Brazil this weekend, Force India remains sixth in the Constructors’ Championship and now sits a comfortable 15 points ahead of Sauber.

Rio de Janeiro have become the official tourism destination of the ATP World Tour in a two-year deal with the Brazilian city accumulating a platinum level sponsorship of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

The announcement is a major boost to Rio, who will host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in just over four years’ time, and it is designed to promote international travel to the region. Also the city will also be swept up by the excitement of the 2014 World Cup which will be hosted by Brazil

ATP President Adam Helfant, said: “Rio de Janeiro is a spectacular destination in a country with a great tradition in tennis, and we’re pleased they’ve chosen the ATP World Tour as the platform for communicating their international tourism message.”

“The ATP World Tour features 62 events in 32 countries, so the partnership delivers a very strong international presence.”

The agreement sees Rio become the new presenting partner of ATP World Tour Uncovered – the Tour’s weekly 30-minute magazine-style television show – that airs in more than 150 countries, reaching more than 400 million viewers. In addition, Rio will have significant presence on the Tour’s official website.

It is also a huge boost for Olympic and Paralympic tennis at Rio 2016, both of which will take place at the Olympic Tennis Centre.

The complex, which is currently under construction, will be located within the Rio Olympic Park Precinct in close proximity to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Once complete, the Olympic Tennis Centre will feature a total of 16 courts across a site area of ten hectares and after the Games, ten courts will be maintained as part of the Olympic Training Centre (OTC) in order to providing a strong legacy for the sport in Brazil.

Marcia Lins, the Secretary of State for Sports and Leisure in Rio, said: “The ATP World Tour provides the perfect opportunity for the State of Rio de Janeiro to showcase internationally the unique combination of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world with the passion for sports,” said Lins.

“Rio de Janeiro has a history of hosting and supporting big events. The state is experiencing a unique moment in time with upcoming major sporting events like the World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Olympic Games. We invite sports fans around the world to plan their visit to Rio de Janeiro.”

As a platinum level sponsor of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London, Rio will also receive huge coverage as the event at the O2 Arena is one of the most internationally viewed events on the tennis calendar.

The prestigious competition features only the top eight players in the world including reigning Olympic champion Rafael Nadal of Spain, Serbia’s world number one Novak Djokovic, 16-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer of Switzerland and British star Andy Murray.

Williams Formula One team have announced its latest official partnership with insurance provider, Ingenie.

Ingenie is a new, fresh‐thinking car insurance brand for young drivers, aged 17 to 25, which uses advanced telematics to assess individual driving styles and help lower the cost of car insurance.

The company helps customers improve their driving skill, by providing feedback on their Twitter‐style messages on Ingenie’s innovative mobile app and website to encourage young drivers to improve their skill and precision and become better, safer drivers.

Williams have also put forward rewards to advertise better driving. The best and most improved drivers could win a trip to Williams to view the team’s Grand Prix Collection and to try out the simulator to feel what a Formula One driver experiences.

Adam Parr, Williams F1 Chairman, commented, “The Ingenie proposition immediately stood out because we liked the idea of sharing technology, similar to that used in our own Formula One cars, to help young drivers improve their skills and be rewarded with cheaper car insurance. We also have an interest in road safety, not least because our Founder and Team Principal, Sir Frank Williams broke his neck in a road accident.”

Richard King, CEO and founder of Ingenie, added, “We are delighted to be involved with one of the most respected names in motorsport. Ingenie is all about rewarding young people for better driving and there could be no better partner than AT&T Williams, given Formula One’s determination and use of technology to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on the track.

Trek Travel, unhealthy the industry leader in personalized cycling vacations, ampoule has announced they are now a VIP Official Tour Operator of the Tour de France.

Combined with the strong elements of Trek Travel’s Tour trips program: 10 years of experience at the Tour; champion- tested full carbon fiber Trek Madone bikes; exclusive team access, and partnership with Trek Bicycle Corporation (sponsor of Team Radio Shack Nissan Trek and the E’tape du Tour races), Trek Travel’s 2012 Tour trips are better than ever.

Tania Worgull, owner, President and founding member of Trek Travel, said: “Becoming an Official Tour Operator of the Tour de France has added race and team access, and behind- the- scenes experiences that no other company can offer. The team access we have enjoyed because of our close partnership with Trek, along with our legendary support has set our trips apart in the bike tour industry for the past 10 years. Now, with this new partnership our already great trips are even better.”

As an Official Tour Operator, Trek Travel’s access to the race including VIP passes, opportunities to ride across the stage finish lines, the chance to meet riders of Team Radio Shack Nissan Trek, team equipment tours and podium pictures for guests on select trips.

Also, as a Master Tour Operator for the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO), Trek Travel will have access to other premier Pro Cycling races like the Vuelta a España, L’Etape du Tour, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastongne-Liège, La Flèche-Wallone, Critérium du Dauphiné, Paris-Nice and the Tour of Oman.

Following Mike Alvarado’s impressive performance against Breidis Prescott on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view broadcast, Avianne & Co. Jewelers have decided to sponsor the boxer.

The fight, turned out to be, quite possibly the event of the night. The two fighters went head to head for a total of 10 rounds before Alvarado scored a striking 10th round knockout.

Avianne’s decided to sponsor Alvarado, due to a longtime companionship with the boxing world. As the world’s source for Men’s Diamond jewelry, they have long been involved with boxing, sponsoring numerous fights over the last decade. The company’s relationship to the boxing world has made them one of the top providers of fine diamond jewelry for the entire industry. Their name is becoming synonymous with boxing as their influence and reach keeps growing.

UnitedHealthcare extended its title sponsor of Momentum Sports Group professional cycling team for three more years, seek beginning in 2012.

UnitedHealthcare has been the cycling team’s title sponsor for the past two years, symptoms and the team’s riders have served as UnitedHealthcare’s health and wellness ambassadors to local communities including schools, children’s hospitals and YMCAs across the nation.

Jake Keough, a member of the pro cycling team, said: “We love racing under the UnitedHealthcare banner and traveling around the country talking about the health benefits of exercise and proper nutrition. Winning races is very important to our team, but just as important for us is having a positive impact on the lives of young people.”

One of the community organizations team members visited earlier this year was the North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center in Minneapolis where they talked with youths about the importance of exercise, nutrition, goal-setting and cycling safety. The team also invited the kids to join them as special guests for the Nature Valley Grand Prix race, which was held June 17 in Minneapolis.

“This was the second year in a row that members of the UnitedHealthcare pro cycling team visited our Y, and our kids really enjoyed learning from nationally competitive cyclists how cycling, eating the right foods, staying active and setting goals helped them in becoming professional athletes. These visits also exposed the kids to the possibility of a career in pro cycling,” said Alicia D. Johnson, program executive of North Community YMCA Youth & Teen Enrichment Center.

The pro cyclists also visited this year with children at the Athens Regional Hospital in Georgia.

Mike Pilcher, associate director of corporate communications, Athens Regional Hospital, added: “We enjoyed having the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team visit us this past spring. It really helped brighten the day of our young patients. The guys on the team were very compassionate, and the kids enjoyed talking to them about racing and everything else under the sun.”

In total, the pro cycling team made more than 30 appearances at local hospitals, schools and community events in 2011. The team also helps raise money for the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit public charity that provides medical grants to children in need.

“Partnering with Momentum Sports Group provides us with a number of opportunities that go well beyond promoting the benefits of exercise and cycling,” said Jeff Alter, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual. “When not racing, this team is engaging communities and their youth in educational discussions and activities that will develop healthy habits early in a person’s development.”

“We are thrilled to team up again with UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare has been incredibly supportive, and we have been able to build a true long-term partnership that benefits everyone involved – the community, the fans, and the sport overall,” said Greg Raifman, chairman and CEO, Momentum Sports Group.

In 2012, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team will compete in the National Criterium Calendar along with various International Cycling Union sanctioned events. In 2011, the pro cycling team was among the most successful in North America, winning 21 races and finishing in the top three 60 times.

Pro cycling is a fast-growing sport in the United States that reaches millions of fans nationwide with stage races such as the Amgen Tour of California, the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado and Minnesota’s Nature Valley Grand Prix.