THE off-field strength of the Sydney Swans has been significantly bolstered, with the Club proud to announce it has signed a new four-year major partnership with international automotive brand Volkswagen.
Sydney Swans Chief Executive Andrew Ireland said the partnership was an exciting development at a pivotal time for the Club.
“The Sydney sporting market place is highly competitive and will become even more so. Volkswagen’s decision to form a long-term partnership with the Swans shows real confidence in our Club,’’ Ireland said.
“Volkswagen and the Sydney Swans are iconic brands, and in 2011 we will both be striving for success in very competitive industries. We believe this strong relationship will be of major benefit to both entities.’’
Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia managing director, is looking forward to a long and successful partnership.
“The Sydney Swans and Volkswagen are a natural fit. Both brands have a long-standing history with the Australian public and we are very excited to enter into this new era for the Volkswagen brand by supporting the iconic Aussie sport AFL and in particular the Sydney Swans.”
As part of the arrangement, the famous Volkswagen logo will feature on the Club’s playing shorts for the next four years. The logo will also be seen on the polo shirts of all Swans coaches and players.
As part of the partnership, Volkswagen will also be aligned with the TeamSWANS Community Program, the TeamSWANS Environment Program and the newly-formed QBE Sydney Swans Academy which will develop players aged from 9 to 18.
“We’ve very pleased that Volkswagen will be involved with every level of our business, from the senior team down to the community level,’’ Ireland said.
Swans coach John Longmire said it was heartening to see the Club thriving in every aspect, and the players were thrilled to have such a prestigious international automotive brand as Volkswagen partnering the team.
“To be successful on the field you need strong backing off the field. That’s why this partnership with Volkswagen is so important as we look to climb the AFL ladder in 2011 and beyond,” Longmire said.
Volkswagen joins Citi as a major partner of the Sydney Swans, with long-standing sponsor QBE remaining as the Club’s principal partner.
Ireland said the Club was proud to have such wonderful support from its corporate partners.
“This Club has an outstanding track record with our corporate partners. This year we are not only celebrating the arrival of the internationally renowned Volkswagen Group, but also the 25th anniversary of our partnership with QBE, and our seventh season with Citi,” Ireland said.
