Carlisle United are delighted to confirm that North Lakes Energy will be our academy shirt sponsors for the 2018/19 campaign with their distinctive logo appearing prominently on the front of playing strips for all age groups from under-9 through to under-16.
James McLinden, Managing Director of North Lakes Energy, has sponsored the academy for the last four seasons and was keen to extend his support for the club’s young players into the new campaign.
Commercial manager Jenny Anderson said: “James has been a long-term supporter and sponsor of the club, in a variety of different ways, and we’re delighted that he’s taking this particular form of sponsorship into a fifth season.
“As we’ve heard a number of times from the new manager, the academy is seen as a vital part of the football department and of the club’s future, and it’s fantastic to get backing like this from a prominent local company.
“In terms of sponsorship, it gives North Lakes Energy fantastic visibility, and it shows the coaches, parents, guardians and players who are part of our younger age groups that they people who want them to do well.”
North Lakes Energy managing director James McLinden said: “I am delighted that I have been able to continue with my sponsorship of the academy, particularly at what has become an exciting time in terms of players coming through.
“I was front-of-shirt sponsor when Liam McCarron made the step up from the under-16s to his two-year scholarship, and it is fantastic to have been part of the support network that helped that to happen. Obviously he has now signed his first professional deal and that, for me, is what the academy is all about.
“I hope he is the first of many more who will go from our youth set-up to become first team players, because I feel it is vital for a club like ours to have that pathway. My family and company are happy to be involved and will continue to support the club in any way we can."
Youth Development Phase Coach Chris Blake said: “We’d like to thank James and Helen for their continued support. It’s fantastic to see a local company which has so much interest in the development of young players and it gives the lads a sense of pride that they wear both the club crest, and have their own sense of identity.
“We’ve seen in recent years with the progression of the likes Patrick Brough, Max Brown, Kyle Dempsey, Connor Hammell, Jordan Holt and Dave Symington that there is a route for Cumbrian lads to be given a real chance from a young age. We need help to do that, and that’s where sponsorship packages like this come in and become so important.”
