Telecoms provider TalkTalk has extended its partnership with League Two side Salford City FC - becoming its lead sponsor and now incorporating the club's Lionesses for the 2020/21 season.
TalkTalk called the move the "latest example of [our] long-term commitment to the North West" - and comes ahead of what it called a "monumental season" for Salford City, with the first team fancied as promotion contenders in only their second ever season in the Football League.
The Salford firm said the decision to become shirt sponsor of every senior side at the club including the women's team reflected the connectivity provider’s efforts to champion inclusivity and diversity at a local level.
Salford City owner, former England player and England Women’s manager, Phil Neville, said: “We are thrilled to be extending our sponsorship with TalkTalk to include the Salford City Lionesses, as they’re a vital part of the club.
"This partnership demonstrates both Salford City FC and TalkTalk’s commitment to women’s football, diversity and inclusion within the sport. We look forward to seeing what this season brings for the Lionesses.”
Salford City FC will also show its support for the anti-racism Kick It Out initiative across the season, with the logo to feature on the back of all shirts.
A rainbow version of TalkTalk’s logo also features on the team’s away kit to demonstrate both TalkTalk and Salford City FC’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.
As part of the sponsorship, which runs until the end of the 2023/24 season, TalkTalk will have brand visibility across all televised matches, the stadium’s media hub, matchday programmes, and display the front of shirt mark for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Ben Cooper, head of brand at TalkTalk said: “ We are extremely excited to be extending our contract to become the official sponsor of the Salford City Lionesses. There is a lot of synergy with Salford City FC and Salford City Lionesses, not least because of our shared challenger spirit.
"Extending our partnership with the club allows us to continue demonstrating our support for the local community which we are proud to be a part of.”
Karen Baird, chairman of Salford City FC added: "TalkTalk are one of the UK’s leading telecommunications companies so we are delighted that they have decided to expand their involvement with the club by becoming front of shirt sponsor for the Men’s Team and the Lionesses.
“We welcomed TalkTalk to the club ahead of their move to Salford Quays last year, and after an enjoyable first season we are looking forward to working with them for longer across more areas of the club.”
The commercial team at Manchester law firm Kuits advised Salford City FC on the agreement.
