Auckland FC and Rebel Sport have entered into a partnership that will make the renowned Kiwi sports retailer the club’s new sponsor for training kits and the AFC development centre.
As New Zealand’s hub for sports, Rebel Sport is dedicated to motivating all Kiwis to engage in sports, particularly by fostering participation at the grassroots level. This partnership represents one of the ways the company demonstrates its commitment to supporting both professional and community sports.
The Rebel Sport logo will be featured on all Auckland FC training kits worn by players and coaching staff, and Auckland FC players will be featured in Rebel Sport promotions across stores, online platforms, and broadcasts.
This year, Rebel Sport introduced a new Grants program available to grassroots sports clubs. Additionally, the company sponsors three young women through the Tania Dalton Scholarship Programme, including footballer Farina Anchico. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to encouraging and supporting greater Kiwi participation in sports.
Rebel Sport Managing Director, Rod Duke, expressed his delight about this deal.
“We’re delighted to be there from the start to help launch Auckland FC. We stand behind grass-roots sports as a business and we’re proud to help provide pathways for up-and-coming kiwi football talent through the Rebel Sports AFC Development Centre,” he said via press release.
“This is a partnership that we are excited to be a part of. The momentum and excitement that surrounds Auckland FC, and not just in Auckland, is phenomenal. With so much excitement and so many people playing football it offers a lot of opportunities for both brands.”
Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, expressed pride in joining forces with Rebel Sport for their inaugural season as both the training kit sponsor and talent development partner.
“Rebel Sport are an iconic New Zealand business who are passionate about football and helping to create talent pathways for young footballers. They have been at the forefront of NZ sporting business and have helped to inspire many generations of talented sports stars,” he said via the clubs website.
“Right from the first conversation, Rebel Sport have shown that we both have aligned values and the partnership feels very true to who we are as a club that is embedded in the local football community.
“It is a fantastic partnership, and it is great to see our players training and out in the community wearing their Rebel branded kit.”
Football is rapidly growing in popularity across the country, with over 165,000 registered players. Furthermore, 17% of those aged 5-17 have played football within the past week.
With only over a month remaining until the 20th anniversary of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men commences, Auckland FC are making a strong statement by partnering up with major companies for their first season who want to enhance community involvement through sports.