FA hails Vauxhall sponsorship deal as ‘major landmark’
Car manufacturer agrees three-and-a-half year deal with The FA to sponsor national side
The Football Association believes Vauxhall is the ideal partner for the England teams after confirming a three-and-a-half-year sponsorship deal with the car giant on Tuesday.
The FA had been searching for a new sponsor for the national team after their deal with building society Nationwide expired following a dismal World Cup campaign in South Africa.
The deal, which will run until after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, sees Vauxhall become the lead partner to the men’s senior national team and the remaining 23 representative England sides.
FA general secretary Alex Horne said: “This announcement represents a major landmark for the FA and the England teams. I am looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Vauxhall in the coming years.
“Through a difficult economic climate, we have concluded a deal of considerable value to the FA and we can now look forward with optimism.
“Everyone is aware of the difficulties of last year, but we have an opportunity to move forward and there is much in 2011 to be excited about.
“Vauxhall are also our Official Youth Partner for 12-18 year olds – a key area of attention at the moment.
“Adrian Bevington, Sir Trevor Brooking and I have been investing a lot of time on our plans for youth development and this partnership will be key to those plans.”
England manager Fabio Capello said: “We will do all we can to reward Vauxhall for their support and this begins with our first objective of the new year – to qualify for Euro 2012.
“We’ve got a good team. 2011 is a very important year. I hope for the next games we have to play, the best players will be fit.
He added: “My goal is qualify for the Euros and it will be really important every game that we play.”
