Cheltenham Town LFC’s Jo Lenton tells us how the club recently embarked upon a very different sponsorship campaign with the No More Page 3 group.
We wanted to do something different. We have been on the look out for a sponsor for some time now but nothing was really happening in terms of getting something secured. Myself (I captain our development team) and Natalie Berry from the first team had a bit of a brainstorm and we thought we’d try a different approach.
We’d heard of the NMP3 campaign through Twitter and decided to send them an email and sound them out. We realised we had shared values and beliefs so it was amazing when they sent back a hugely positive response confirming that they would love to work with us and were extremely excited about the idea.
The partnership really works, we have a fab new kit and a great new sponsor and in return we help to spread their message to a wider audience. We feel like we’re part of something really unique and special especially now we have smashed our target and raised over £10,000. All of the extra money is now going to help other female sports teams and individuals so things can only get bigger really!
Everyone was excited to be involved in the campaign. We’ve received great support from both the local and national media and the men’s team have also promoted our campaign on their website. We’re due to make an appearance in our new kit at the men’s home fixture on the 1st Feb against Northampton which should be great fun.
Cheltenham Town LFC’s first team captain Kirsty Dunleavy told theguardian.com: “We talked originally about traditional forms of sponsorship but wanted to do something different. We’re all very supportive of the campaign so we’re delighted to be doing this.”
Another team member, Natalie Berry, added: “We think the idea is fantastic. Everyone in the club is behind it, including the male members. They all wanted us to run with it.”
We’re now waiting for the kit to be completed, it’s currently at the printers and when we have our first game in it, the NMP3 crew are coming to watch.
All of the excess money is being used to support other female teams and individuals, including Nottingham Forest LFC and Lee Craigie, a cyclist who is off to the Commonwealth Games.
The No More Page 3 campaign is pushing for The Sun to drop its pictures of topless models.
LIKE on FACEBOOK
Follow on Twitter
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
