St. Albans City in new Oaklands Partnership

Thu 18th Aug 2011 | Football Sponsorship

ST ALBANS CITY have announced a new partnership with Oaklands College that will see them become the football club’s title sponsor for the next two years.

The deal will see the club wearing the Oaklands name and logo on the front of shirts of first team, reserves and midweek Under 18 team.

“It is a perfect fit,” said new St Albans City co-owner Lawrence Levy. “The club is under new management and so is Oaklands, with Zoe Hancock having taking over as principal there this year.

“Zoe is a football fan, who has quickly realised what we are seeking to achieve at St Albans City and wants to support it. In turn, we think we can offer Oaklands considerable benefits.

“This is a very good deal for the club financially but it goes way beyond that and towards establishing a long-term partnership for the benefit of club, college and community.

“Although the club has previously been linked with Oaklands, this is a very much bigger deal and closer relationship as we look to develop our club by bringing through more local talent. In turn Oaklands will further their aims of educating young people through sport and enhancing their already strong position in the community.”

As Saints rebuild following a takeover in the summer, the club has already re-established links with St Albans City Youth and schools football and is looking to establish an integrated pathway for players from age-group football, through youth team to reserves and into the first team.

It will mean that the current academy set-up at Oaklands will come under review as both club and college seek to enhance its professionalism and quality.

“St Albans City and Oaklands wish to form a partnership that is fair, reciprocal and transparent and which will benefit the club, college and wider community,” added Lawrence Levy.

“The commitment that Oaklands is giving to the club is fantastic and we would like to see many more young players like Sean Shields, Rob Magwood and Ross Dedman coming through the ranks.”

Added Zoe Hancock: “We are pleased to be supporters of our local football club and we are proud of an academy set-up which offers education and sporting opportunities to young people in our community.

“Nourishing sporting talent is very important on a local level and Oaklands College is delighted to enter into the new, improved agreement with St Albans City that reflects the role both organisations play in the community as we both look towards new horizons.”

The Oaklands portfolio of sporting interests already includes Saracens Rugby Club, Arsenal Ladies Football Club and a basketball academy.

“We feel privileged to be in such company and look forward to a productive and flourishing relationship with such generous and sympathetic commercial partners.” Levy concluded.

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