Kent Youth League sponsorship offers Gillingham a great way to engage with the local grass roots community, says chairman Paul Scally

GILLINGHAM Football Club are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with The Kent Youth League for the 2015/16 season.

 

Gillingham FC further underlines their commitment to football in the county by signing a one-year sponsorship deal with Kent’s largest youth league.

The award winning Charter Standard League is one of the biggest in Kent which for season 2014-15 kicked off with 170 teams playing in 15 Divisions from ages Under 13 - Under 18. The League has over 3,500 boys registered, and for season 2015-16 is looking at a potential increase to around 190 teams.

The League also has six Cup Competitions.

Having previously enjoyed a sponsorship deal with Charlton Athletic, Kent Youth League Chief Executive Ken Brooke is looking forward to starting a new chapter with The Gills.

He told Gillingham's website: “The league is absolutely delighted to be associated with Kent’s only Football League Club. Having witnessed the club’s dedication to grass roots football through its thriving Community Trust, we believe this is a fantastic deal for both parties to further strengthen youth football in Kent.

“We’ve had lots of exciting discussions with the club about ways to build the partnership and look forward to rewarding the growth and development of youth football in Kent alongside the County’s leading professional football club.

"Gillingham’s commitment to The Kent Youth League is a great boost for football throughout the county, but especially for our competition. The deal we have signed will bring opportunities for players, parents and managers and coaches to be involved and rewarded by Gillingham FC. It is a natural partnership which we are very excited about.”

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally expressed his delight at taking over sponsorship of the League.

He said: "Gillingham FC is delighted to formally be in partnership with The Kent Youth League. The League is an innovative and award winning body, highly respected both locally and nationally, and one we are proud to associate ourselves with.

“The sponsorship deal offers us a great way to engage with the local grass roots community. Alongside The Kent Youth League, we will become more empowered to communicate directly to Kent’s youngest football fans and welcome more youngsters to games at Priestfield.”

“We also plan to link up with the league to reward the development of grass roots clubs, recognise those who are going above and beyond to use football as a positive driver within their own community and support values around fair play and respect which helps Kent football thrive.”

Visit Gillingham’s website: www.gillinghamfootballclub.com

Visit The Kent Youth League website: www.kentyouthleague.co.uk