The Newcastle Jets took another step towards self-sufficiency as they unveiled their A-League Men's away and third strips on Friday complete with a new major sponsor emblazoned across the front.
Ampcontrol, a Hunter-based, global electrical engineering company, are the latest corporate partner to throw their support behind Newcastle's A-League club as it moves through a rebuilding phase with financial stability and sustainability the key focus.
A consortium of A-League club owners are bankrolling the Jets for an indefinite interim period after taking over from Chinese businessman Martin Lee in January.
Lee was the latest in a string of wealthy private owners who had taken on the Jets since the A-League's inception. But the Chinese businessman had his franchise licence terminated because he was unable, or unwilling, to address the club's spiralling debts.
Building a sustainable business model is all about having a strong membership base and strong corporate support, and we're on that path now.
SHANE MATTISKE
Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske told the Newcastle Herald on Friday that Ampcontrol's commitment was another important move towards the club's long-term success.
The announcement came after Port of Newcastle had already committed to the club as major sponsors of the men's and women's teams, and as the Jets membership passed 5000 for the approaching A-League season.
"It has been a long time since the club has both the home and away jersey sponsored by big brands," Mattiske said.
"We're also excited about the fact that the club is now in a position where we've got major partners for both the men's and women's team locked away.
"We've got a really strong family of sponsors that are coming together underneath those sponsors to support us. It's been a long time since the club has had that strength of partnership around it and that's exciting for all of us. It gives us confidence about the growth path that the club is now on."
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Mattiske said Jets memberships had dropped to around 5000 last season. In a boost to attract families back to the game, children aged 12 and under will have free entry this campaign.
The Jets A-League side launch their season against arch rivals Central Coast at McDonald Jones Stadium on November 21 and the club hopes to have reached another membership milestone by then.
"Our next target is getting to 7000 by kick-off, but we want to push further and we'd like to be ending the season above 8000," he said.
"Building a sustainable business model is all about having a strong membership base and strong corporate support, and we're on that path now.
"We believe this team should have membership well above 10,000, and it has in the past. So that's the focus, and that will take a little bit of time. But we know that there is support in the community and we're looking to connect with that community and make sure that we're providing a quality offering."
The Jets away kit is predominantly white with red and blue vertical stripes. The third kit is royal blue accented by red and gold.
The Jets will wear a gold home kit this year.
