A leading South Yorkshire-based business is extending its partnership with Sheffield United, providing a boost for the development of young players and the fast-emerging Ladies section of the club.
In a three-year deal, SteelPhalt will continue to boast the naming rights of the Football Club’s Academy at Shirecliffe and will extend its sponsorship across the United Ladies section of the club, which includes the Regional Training Club, helping develop junior female players.
United Ladies continue to go from strength to strength and, after winning their league last season, are currently doing well in the FA Premier Women’s League Midlands Division.
Meanwhile, United’s Academy, widely regarded as the best in the region, has enjoyed great success in recent years. Recognised by the FA Premier League for its ability to provide youngsters with the skills required to forge professional careers, it counts the likes of Premier League players Kyle Walker, Matt Lowton, Harry Maguire, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and most recently, age-group international David Brooks, as graduates.
As SteelPhalt’s business manager, Martin Gray, explains, his company is delighted to support the Blades, primarily through the ladies and youngsters.
He commented: “SteelPhalt has a strong tradition of involvement within the local community. In addition to helping to make our region’s roads safer through the products we supply, we like to get to know the people who live in our area too.
“So, each year SteelPhalt is involved in a range of initiatives with the community. By extending our agreement with the Academy and extending across the Ladies organisation, we are really excited to see how our investment can positively impact on the careers of some of these talented individuals.”
United’s Head of Commercial, Paul Reeves, said: “This is a significant investment from SteelPhalt and a long-term commitment to our next generation of players, both male and female. The Academy plays an integral part within the club and it goes without question the rising importance and profile of ladies’ football on a global scale. We would like to thank Martin and his colleagues for their valued contribution.”
SteelPhalt, based in Sheffield Road, Rotherham has been developing and manufacturing high performance asphalt products for roadmaking in the UK industry since the 1960s. Its business model fits perfectly with the club strapline of ‘Forging the Future’. American parent company Harsco has an annual turnover in excess of £2billion.
