Energy retailer supporting Pompey's future
Pompey’s academy hopefuls have been boosted by a major new sponsorship deal with Hampshire-based energy retailer Utilita Energy.
The company will be the main shirt sponsor for the under-18 team, who compete in the Youth Alliance League.
And the academy will also benefit every time fans sign up for Utilita’s attractive pre-pay energy tariffs.
They will donate £25 whenever the club supply a new customer, who will receive an exclusive e-newsletter and be put forward to win a string of prizes and offers.
Mark Kelly, academy director at Fratton Park, said: “This is a major deal for the academy and we are delighted to have Utilita on board.
“Developing our young players is important and Utilita’s support will go a long way to ensuring a bright future for the club.
“The fact the company will put more money into our work when fans sign up for their services is also something we’re very excited about.”
Utilita Energy were also the official presenting partner of the Scottish League Cup in 2015/16 and are the current sponsor of National League outfit Eastleigh.
Jem Maidment, head of communications at Utilita Energy, added: “We are thrilled to have signed this innovative and exciting partnership with Portsmouth, with a focus on helping develop their stars of the future.
“Academies are the lifeblood of so many football clubs outside the Premier League and we recognise that.
“We didn’t just want to do another boring sponsorship deal – we wanted to do something that mattered and can have a tangible, positive effect on the club’s future.
“We have been impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of everyone at the club and academy, and we are certain this can be a long and fruitful partnership.”
Pompey fans can sign up now by going to Utilita.co.uk and typing in the promo code ‘POMPEY’ when switching or call 0345 206 8777 and quote ‘POMPEY’.
The under-18 side – led by Mikey Harris – also compete in the FA Youth Cup and reached the third round last season, narrowly losing to Manchester City in front of almost 2,000 supporters at Fratton Park.
Utilita is the leading provider of smart Pay As You Go energy in Great Britain, offering every customer it supplies with free smart meters and a price commitment it has held since 2008 to be cheaper than the ‘Big 6’* energy suppliers.
It has quadrupled its customer base from 90,000 in April 2015 to nearly 370,000 in July 2016. More details are available on its website.
*Based on Ofgem medium consumption (12,500 kWh for gas and 3,100 kWh for electricity) and using the best Dual Fuel standard variable prices available to prepayment customers from the Big Six suppliers.