A great match: Stockport County and Together strike sponsorship deal

Cheadle-based specialist lender Together has made its first signing of a UK football club by becoming an official partner of Stockport County.

The move brings together the finance firm, which has a loan book of £4.2billion, and the 130-year-old football club in a partnership that will run throughout the 2020/21 season.

As part of the agreement, the south stand at County’s Edgeley Park has been renamed the Together Family Stand and carries the lender’s distinctive logo and branding. The County mascot Vernon the Bear will also have his shirt sponsored by the specialist lender.

The new partnership also includes the creation of a schools initiative, ‘County Together’, which will deliver a roadshow educating primary school children on topics including healthy eating, regular exercise and the importance of good behaviour.

All children will receive a full-colour magazine that reinforces positive behaviour and a free family ticket to a home fixture. The roadshow will commence once Covid restrictions are lifted.

Stockport County Chief Executive, Jonathan Vaughan said: “Together is a great partner to have on-board, not only as large local employer but as an organisation which shares the club’s values in education, and promoting healthy lifestyles and responsible behaviour.

“We are extremely excited about starting the ‘County Together’ schools initiative and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Marc Goldberg, commercial CEO at Together, described Stockport County as “a club at the heart of the community.”

He said: “As a Stockport-based lender we’re delighted to be named as the official financial partner of our home town club. A key reason for us to be involved in this sponsorship was its commitment to nurturing the health and development of young people in our region through their fantastic community projects.”

Pete Ball, the lender’s personal finance CEO said Stockport County, a Vanarama National League team, said he was impressed with the club’s vision to preserve its long-standing values and identity.

He added: “It’s important to instil in young people from all walks of life important values such as dedication, commitment and team work, and that is what Stockport County does through its community outreach work.

“We’re really looking forward to offering our support to the club – both on and off the pitch – and wish the team well for the season.”