Carlisle United are delighted to announce another fantastic new sponsorship deal as long-term club partners Online Systems become our first ever front of shirt sponsors for our Academy under-18 team.
Previously the under-18 side has sported the same main sponsor logo as worn by the first team, but positive talks with Edinburgh Woollen Mill opened up an opportunity for the club to pursue a new sponsorship asset this season.
Online Systems – the club’s telephone and internet service provider – expressed a keen interest in helping with youth development, particularly the step from the youth to the professional ranks, and were quick to take up the option of placing their company logo on the front of the young Blues’ shirts.
Sales and Marketing Director Phil King said: “This new opportunity marks a step-up in the relationship with Online Systems with them committing significant sponsorship to the club.
“It’s fantastic for us to have their company logo on the front of the under-18 home and away shirts and we are also really pleased to welcome them as members of our Business Club.
“This is a new sponsorship opportunity, having never had different front of shirt sponsors before, and it generates additional commercial income for the club. Importantly it also helps to support the youth set-up, which has recently seen four players earn development contracts at the conclusion of their scholarship programme.”
Academy manager Darren Edmondson said: “It’s fantastic to know that local companies and businesses have a real interest in the work we’re doing at the Academy.
“As we’ve seen in the not too distant past youth development can become an important avenue for the production of first-team-ready young talent, which can then also become an additional revenue stream as players move on in their careers.
“This is a real pat on the back for us from Online Systems and I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved for the support they’re showing for the club’s youth team. It gives the lads a huge boost to know they have people taking a real interest and I think they’ll be very pleased about the fact that they are now able to create a little bit of their own identity.”
Barry Maxey from Online Systems said: “We have worked alongside Carlisle United for a number of years now and are very impressed with the work of the Academy.
"Youth sport is an important part of any local community and as a local business we want to provide encouragement and support for the next generation.
"We are delighted to have this opportunity as the under-18s main shirt sponsor and wish them every success for the season ahead.”
