England Squash announce record junior
Sponsorship agreement with Dunlop
England Squash have announced a record three-year sponsorship with the
world’s number one squash brand, Dunlop which will see the sport’s
market leader become the official partner of the England Squash Junior
Circuit, including title sponsor of the British Junior Open, British
Junior Championships and English Junior Championships.
The agreement heralds an exciting new era for Dunlop, who earlier this
year came under new ownership, as well as for England Squash who
recently announced a restructure and exciting new commercial direction
for the national governing body.
Alongside increased investment, England Squash and Dunlop will work
closely in rebranding the sport to attract a younger target market with
Dunlop enjoying unrivalled exposure across the UK’s leading junior
tournaments.
Steve Heatley, Dunlop UK Sales Manager said: “We are delighted to be the
official partner and title sponsor of the England Squash Junior Circuit.
The British Junior Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments in
junior squash worldwide and has provided a stepping stone for many
Dunlop ambassadors including current World No.1 Greg Gaultier and Nick
Matthew OBE – two of the most successful players of all time. Along with
the British and English Junior Championships, Dunlop will support
England Squash in promoting the junior game and the very best young
talent from the UK and abroad. This record junior sponsorship agreement
cements our relationship with England Squash and is a key part of our
strategy to invest in squash at all levels”.
England Squash Chief Executive Officer Keir Worth said: "We are thrilled
to have Dunlop as the official partner and title sponsor of our junior
circuit. As an established and leading brand within squash, Dunlop’s
investment will allow us to stage world-class junior events, raise the
profile of the sport internationally and showcase the finest young
players from around the world. We are extremely grateful for their
support and this partnership over the coming years.”
Three-time World Champion, Dunlop sponsored player and former British
Junior Open Champion Nick Matthew, added: "It's great to see Dunlop's
continued support for the future of squash. Dunlop have supported me
throughout my career and have been a fantastic partner. As I'll be
handing the baton over to the youngsters at the end of this season, it's
good to know that Dunlop will be continuing to invest in the junior game
and drive squash forward in the UK."
The first tournament to come under the new Dunlop English Junior Squash
Circuit will be the Dunlop British Junior Championships which will be
staged in Manchester from the 26th to 29th October, followed by the
Dunlop British Junior Open, the world’s most prestigious junior
tournament which will be held in Birmingham from 3rd to 7th January, and
the Dunlop English Junior Championships scheduled for 9th to 11th March
in Hull.
As the longstanding Official Ball Partner of England Squash, Dunlop has
enjoyed a close and successful partnership with the national governing
body whilst agreements with the Professional Squash Association
(official racket and ball), the World Squash Federation (official ball)
and other national federations underpins the brand’s commitment to the
sport and its market leadership position.