NEW YORK | New York City FC and Manchester City FC have launched a new multi-year partnership with Digicel, the number one communications partner across the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific. The Barclays Premier League Club and new Major League Soccer franchise will come together with the leading telecoms brand to create a wealth of multimedia content, as well as community coaching and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
In a landmark new partnership, a first for either club in the region, Manchester City, New York City FC and Digicel will work together on a range of community initiatives, unique content interaction across broadcast, digital and mobile, promotional opportunities, VIP attendance at games at Yankee Stadium in New York to enjoy the MLS as well as at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester to enjoy Premier League games. The partnership will also see collaboration on Digicel’s marquee Digicel Kick Start coaching programs across 15 markets annually with further coaching programs for the top selected players to take place in the training Academies of New York City FC, Manchester City FC and Melbourne City FC for up to 24 young aspiring football players in total.
This exciting new partnership is the next evolutionary stage in the already vastly established Digicel Kick Start Program that now sees more interaction for more fans with more big clubs than ever before in the region’s largest played sport.
Omar Berrada, Commercial Director of City Football Marketing, which brokers Manchester City FC and New York City FC’s commercial partnerships, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Digicel as our very first partner in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific Islands. Digicel has invested significantly in growing, developing and marketing football across their regions for several years and we are looking forward to working together to bring exciting promotions and content to football fans across these markets.”
Digicel Group Director of Marketing Operations, Kieran Foley, said:
“Digicel is delighted to be working with Manchester City and New York City FC, both clubs who enjoy an international following. This marks the next phase in our development marrying content and community programs across all our markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific as well as into our Diaspora communities from afar. Knowing we have set the bar high with our previous partnerships from the Barclays Premier League and with the Caribbean Football Union, we are very excited to develop this platform with Manchester City FC and New York City FC, to deliver compelling and exclusive content which our customers can consume in broadcast, digital and mobile channels, exciting experiences and promotions, as well as the unique and greatly enhanced football development programs that will be on offer through this deal to all aspiring young players across all our markets."
About Manchester City Football Club
Manchester City FC is an English Premier League side, founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. The Club counts the European Cup Winners’ Cup, four League Championship titles, and five FA Cups amongst its honors. Under manager Manuel Pellegrini the Club plays its domestic home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 51,000 seat arena, which the Blues made their home following the successful Commonwealth Games in 2003. For more information, please visit www.mcfc.com.
About New York City Football Club
New York City FC is the first Major League Soccer Club located within the five boroughs. Majority owned by City Football Group, which includes Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC and Yokohama F. Marinos, New York City FC play their home games at Yankee Stadium, which also home to minority owner, the New York Yankees.
New York City FC kicked off their inaugural MLS season in March 2015.
About Digicel Group
Digicel Group Limited is a leading global telecommunications provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 14 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.
Digicel runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams and individuals including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt and Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel also sponsors the West Indies cricket team.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.
