CHESTER FC will formally extend their long-running partnership with MBNA for another three years ahead of the club’s Vanarama National League game against local rivals Tranmere Rovers on Sunday.
MBNA became the fan owned club’s principal sponsor in 2010 and the pair have agreed to extend the deal, with it being signed and sealed before Sunday’s big kick off.
Not only will MBNA continue to support Chester FC and the club’s Community Trust but it will also sponsor Chester’s women’s team, currently playing in the Cheshire Women’s League, for the first time.
Chester FC first team manager Steve Burr said: “I am delighted that MBNA has renewed its contract as Chester FC principal sponsor.
“Its support of the first team extends beyond the name on the shirt. MBNA is an excellent host for our training sessions and always approachable regarding matters that can help us be successful on the pitch.”
Thanks to MBNA’s support, Chester have launched walking football courses for over 55s and run 37 soccer schools per year coaching more than 750 children during the school holidays.
The Chester FC Community Trust works with two youth disability groups supporting more than 40 young people. It also provides work placements for up to 23 students from local schools, colleges and universities and engages with the public through its community day, which attracts around 800 people per season, and its two-day family fun festival Chester FC in the Park, which last year welcomed 1,300 visitors.
Ian O’Doherty, chief executive of MBNA, added: “We are incredibly proud to support Chester FC as it continues to build on its recent successes.
“The club is the beating heart of the community and we want to continue our sponsorship and increase our support by investing in the development of the women’s team.
“It gives us all a sense of pride when we see the work the club does in schools and with members of the community – young and old – to provide coaching and community activities. To know that we have helped make that possible is really special.”
