Electricals retailer AO has become the front-of-shirt sponsor for Altrincham Football Club.
The partnership will see the distinctive AO smile logo feature on the front of the National League team’s shirts, which they will debut in their pre-season fixture against Colne, this Saturday.
Last season was one of the most successful in Altrincham’s history as they reached the National League play-offs and were just two games from securing promotion to the Football League for the first time, missing out in the semi-finals to eventual winners, Bromley.
The sponsorship follows on from a group of 20 investors injecting £1.5 million into the club last summer and it is hoped that this further funding boost can help take Altrincham to the next level.
Vicky Monk, group marketing director at AO, said: “We’re delighted to join forces with Altrincham at such an exciting time in their history.
“The club have gone from strength to strength in recent years, moving up two divisions and becoming a full-time professional club, and we’re proud to support the next steps of their journey.”
Altrincham joins AO’s group of North West sponsorships, which also includes the AO Arena, Manchester Thunder, Lancashire County Cricket Club, and BLGC.
Vicky added: “This sponsorship underpins our commitment to supporting local sports and connecting with people across the region. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this partnership will have, both on the pitch and within the community.”
Altrincham-based scrap company J. Davidson had previously sponsored the club’s shirts for the past 13 years and will remain stadium sponsor.
Sam Mackenzie, chief executive at Altrincham Football Club, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with such a dynamic and thriving company as AO. Their values and outlook align closely with ours, making this partnership a perfect fit.
“The longevity and commitment from both sides in this partnership will mirror the successful ongoing relationship we have with J.Davidson. We deeply appreciate J. Davidson’s invaluable contribution and thank them for their continued support as we enter this exciting new partnership.
“The AO partnership is a significant development for the club, particularly in terms of the activation and outreach it will bring.
“As a national brand with a strong presence, AO will help us grow. Their culture is something I hugely admire, their team have been wonderful to deal with and work alongside.
“I thank them for their support and look forward to their mascot Bear meeting up with our very own Rocky Robin – my competitive nature tells me it would be great to arrange a race between them at half-time in one of our games at The J.Davidson Stadium!”
