Flybe extends Southampton FC sponsorship

Flybe, the largest operator out of Southampton Airport, has announced an extended sponsorship deal with Southampton FC. The deal will run until June 2010 with further options to extend and underlines the airline’s long term commitment to both the club and the region.

Flybe, who also sponsor League Two, Exeter City, and Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle, has already made significant investments into Southampton FC since the sponsorship deal began in 2006 and will be looking to continue the successful relationship with the extended contract.

The renewal of the sponsorship deal will see Flybe continue as main club and shirt sponsor with the incentivised bonuses should the team achieve promotion back to the Premier League or win either the FA or League Cups. As the renewed sponsorship will extend the life cycle of the home kit to include the 2009/2010 season, fans will also see a direct financial benefit.

Flybe will continue to run the successful and popular ‘Flybe Community Cup’, an annual competition organised and operated by the airline which offers schools in the local area the chance to compete in a football tournament with the final played at St Mary’s Stadium.

Flybe will also maintain its successful ‘Be A Pro for a Day’ initiative where local teams receive a coaching session from Saints’ manager, Jan Poortvliet, along with fitness and dietary advice from the club’s expert training staff, and the unique insight of Southampton legend and Flybe’s Sporting Ambassador, Matt Le Tissier.

Says Simon Lilley, Director of Marketing, Flybe: “Our Southampton base is a key centre of operations for Flybe and we’re thrilled to be extending our sponsorship with the Saints. These are tricky times for everybody financially but we’re 100% behind the club and committing ourselves to a further sponsorship is the right thing to do for both parties.

“The people of Southampton have been immensely supportive of Flybe and this has allowed us to not only grow our services at the airport but grow as a company too. As with all of sponsorships we are genuine investors in communities, and commitments go way beyond a brand on a shirt.

“Southampton Football Club, as with the other long standing sponsorship deals we have across the UK, is at the heart of the community we serve and they understand our philosophy - for that reason as with our other teams across the UK we will continue to enjoy a successful relationship”

John O’Sullivan, Southampton Football Club's Commercial Director said: "Everyone at the Club is delighted to have Flybe as our shirt sponsor for a further season. Flybe have made a significant commitment to the city in the development of both routes and infrastructure at the airport. Through their experience with Inverness and Exeter they know how to make a football relationship work.

“The fact that the Club has only had three main sponsors in the past 14 years is an indication of the importance we place on maintaining a first class relationship with our sponsors."