A Closer Look at Our Partnerships

10/05/2024 15:48 Share

From football, to rugby, basketball and motorsport, we’re proud to partner with several sporting teams across the UK.

Our partnerships are a way of connecting with local communities across the country.
We partner with a number of football, basketball, rugby, and motorsport teams.
Learn more about each of our partnerships.

Burnley FC

We are proud to partner with one of the founding members of the English Football League – Burnley FC. With a rich history dating back to 1882, the team bounced back to the Premier League last year after just one season in the Championship.

Since 1883, the beloved Turf Moor stadium has been Claret’s home with a capacity of over 22,000. Throughout the years, their loyal army of fans have stood beside them during the highs and lows of the game.

As the club’s Official Car Retailer, we can connect with local fans in the community.

Find out more about Burnley FC

Middlesbrough FC

The first of our two North East football partnerships is EFL Championship side Middlesbrough FC. Believe it or not, the club was actually founded by local cricket club members in 1876.

Throughout the club’s illustrious history, they secured the League Cup in 2004 and narrowly missed out on the UEFA Cup title in 2005 and 2006. In 1890, the team scored their biggest win against Scarborough FC in the FA Cup, beating them 11-0.

Middlesbrough FC also has a Category 1 Academy which helps young people break into the sport. The academy has seen people go on to be picked for the first team squad and international levels.

Other charity work includes the MFC Foundation. The foundation works predominantly in the Teesside area, tackling sport, education, and health.

Find out more about Middlesbrough FC

MINI Challenge

Part of British motorsport for over two decades, MINI CHALLENGE is regarded as one of the most tenacious racing series in the UK.

Races coincide with British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) weekends. The series highlights emerging talent and more experienced drivers. Races include iconic circuits including Brands Hatch, Silverstone, and Donington Park.

We are proud to be title sponsor of the championship, which has an audience of over 384,000 fans and 15.8 million TV views.

Find out more about MINI CHALLENGE

Newcastle Eagles

When it comes to British basketball, Newcastle Eagles are one of the most successful clubs. Competing in the British Basketball League and Women's British Basketball League, they have won a number of accolades.

These include wins in the BBL, BBL Cup, BBL Playoffs, and the BBL Trophy. Our five-year partnership with the iconic team includes naming rights to the team’s home – also known as the Vertu Motors Arena.

As well as competing in the top-tier of British basketball, Newcastle Eagles also give back to the local community. The Eagles Community Foundation (ECF) encourages basketball participation throughout the North East area.

Find out more about the Newcastle Eagles

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club was established in the 1840s. Since then, the club has been crowned county champions six times.

The iconic Trent Bridge is now seen as one of the most recognisable cricket grounds in the world. It has played host to international games, including the infamous 2015 Ashes.

As well as providing sporting entertainment for cricket fans, Trent Bridge also plays host to the Forgot Me Notts support group. The group aims to tackle dementia and loneliness in the local community by connecting through sporting memories.

Find out more about Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Plymouth Argyle FC

The 2022/23 Sky Bet League One champions, Plymouth Argyle, have been a fixture of the Football League since 1920. Throughout the club’s history, they have secured numerous titles in the third and fourth tiers of football.

The club known to fans as Pilgrims have reached the League Cup semi-final twice and the FA Cup semi-final. The 17,000 capacity Home Park is regularly sold out by their supporters, the Green Army.

As well as playing host to home games, Home Park is also used for local community events and activities.

Find out more about Plymouth Argyle FC

Somerset County Cricket Club

Somerset County Cricket Club was formed in 1875, but with roots dating back to 1798 when the first record cricket match took place. During this time, interest in cricket was declining. This led to several clubs including Somerset, Langport, and Milverton being formed.

The club holds many accolades including the One Day Cup, the National League, and the Royal London One-Day Cup.

In 1994, the Somerset Cricket Board was formed, which helped to create youth programmes, training and courses. The club also ensures that cricket is accessible to everyone with the County Disability Programme.

Find out more about Somerset County Cricket Club

Sunderland AFC

The second of our North East football partnerships are six-time league winners Sunderland AFC. With roots dating back to 1879, the team are currently battling it out in the EFL Championship.

Their devoted army of fans have stuck by The Black Cats throughout their highs and lows, including a four-year stint in League One. Throughout their rich history, they have held the FA Cup title twice, notably beating Leeds United in 1973 while competing in the second tier.

The club also operates the UK’s largest football charity - The Foundation of Light. Established by Sir Bob Murray CBE in 2001, it tackles issues in the local community through the power of football.

Find out more about Sunderland AFC

Yorkshire Cricket Club

County Championship founding members, Yorkshire County Cricket Club are thirty-time champion winners.

The club is a big champion of grassroots level cricket through The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation. The foundation helps to tackle issues in the community including education, health and wellbeing.

As part of our partnership, we have donated a 17-seater minibus to help the charity deliver community initiatives. We’ve also provided vital funding for students facing financial hardship. This has been used to obtain qualifications, travel, and kits.