Canterbury City unveil major sponsorship deal

Before even kicking a ball in competition, the revived Canterbury City Football Club have pulled off a sponsorship deal that will amaze even some of the biggest clubs in the land - P&O Ferries will be their main backer for at least the next two seasons.

In a statement, chairman Phil Knight said: “With due respect to all non-League clubs who usually rely on sponsorship from comparatively small companies, this arrangement is with an internationally recognised organisation that has shown great faith in our commitment to provide football for the community.

“Their credibility and status is hugely important to us. Indeed, in some ways that aspect is more important than the cash they have offered to help us achieve our objectives, though I must say the money is very welcome. The cost of setting up a club with widespread commitments is substantial”.

P&O Ferries director of sales and marketing, Simon Johnson, said: “We’re proud to be in at the start of something very special that I believe will become a role model for clubs all over the country.

“Of course, much focus will be on the first team, but it’s the broad base that really appeals – seven other competitive sides for starters, with more to follow, taking sport into the heart of the community.

“Community interest is even written into the club’s constitution; it’s fundamental to them, which is a first as far as I am aware”.

Currently, P&O Ferries only major sports sponsorship is with Hull Rugby League club, which makes City’s coup all the more remarkable.

Even the top professional football clubs are finding it increasingly difficult to attract big name sponsors.

City’s decision to set themselves up as a Community Interest Company, which means that each year they have to prove to Government inspectors that they are doing what they promised to do for the community of Canterbury, must have appealed to P&O Ferries.

In return for their backing, P&O Ferries will have their name and logo on all of City’s teams on and off the pitch sportswear.

Mr Knight explained: “As our club expands, so the necessity for a reliable cash flow increases. The support of P&O Ferries, together with various grants we have already secured, will help offset that expenditure”.

City’s first team will be playing their first Friendly tomorrow (3pm) against Kent League champions Whitstable Town at Belmont.

Manager Dave Fairclough said: “This could hardly be a tougher baptism. So far we have only had trials, training and a practice game, so we can’t expect too much. But we’ll give it our best shot…or a lot of shots if we get the chance”.

Article courtesy of www.canterburycityfc.com

Whitstable Town v Canterbury City
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 21^st July 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable