MLS Champion Rapids Announce First of a Kind Presenting Sponsor

The Colorado Rapids, 2010 Major League Soccer (MLS) champions, have announced that Westerra Credit Union will serve as the team’s presenting sponsor for the duration of the upcoming 2011 season.

A three-year deal has been agreed and is the first of its kind in the franchise’s history. Under the terms of the deal, the team has launched a new composite club crest that incorporates both the Rapids and Westerra brands.

The new emblem will appear in all of the Rapids’ marketing and promotional activities during the 2011 season. Westerra Credit Union’s sponsorship of the soccer team will run until the end of the 2013 campaign.

Jeff Plush, managing director of the Rapids, said: “Bringing on a season presenting sponsor is a special relationship that needs the right partner. Westerra Credit Union embodies everything the Rapids stand for as a championship organisation making this a natural fit for both sides.”

The Denver-based presenting sponsor’s partnership with the club will also include in-stadium recognition as well as branding on all of the team’s television and print advertisements.

In return, Westerra will help to fund increased community involvement from the team, including a focus on the Rapids youth academy and youth soccer initiatives in Colorado.

In addition, the credit union will present the Rapids and Commerce City’s Fourth Fest celebration held at the team’s home stadium Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Westerra members will also be given opportunities to win match tickets and receive special offers from the club.

Alan Peppers, president and chief executive of the Westerra Credit Union, added: “Westerra is proud to be the season sponsor for the Colorado Rapids because we share a commitment to our local community and the kind of teamwork it takes to produce excellence.

“Like the Rapids, our goal is to continue to build on our strong record. We believe more can be accomplished by working together and this partnership provides many opportunities for us to make a difference through community and educational initiatives.”