Draper Tools will return as a partner of Southampton Football Club, 40 years after first working with the club.
The Hampshire-based business will become Southampton FC’s Official Tool Partner, with their historic logo featuring on the Men’s First Team Back-of-Shirt as well as the Southampton FC Women’s Back-of-Shorts.
Draper Tools sponsored Southampton Football Club’s front-of-shirt for nine successful years from 1984 to 1993, during which time iconic players including Alan Shearer, Matthew Le Tissier and Francis Benali made their debuts for Saints. After which, Draper Tools continued its partnership with the club until 2018, and in 2022 it revealed Saints Foundation as its Community Charity Partner.
The announcement comes shortly after Saints revealed its 2023/24 Home Kit, a kit which pays homage to the club’s 1987-89 shirt back when it was sponsored by Draper Tools. The partnership will be about more than just nostalgia though – this new chapter is set to put the Draper name in front of the club’s huge audience of loyal followers. As well as seeing Draper on the team kits, the agreement will also see widespread brand awareness opportunities for the business. From in-game advertising to the club’s popular social media channels, it’s a collaboration that’s all about making an impact.
Charlie Boss, Chief Commercial Officer for Southampton Football Club said: “We are delighted to welcome back Draper Tools as a partner. Their rich history with us makes this feel extra special as we embark on this new chapter together, particularly as we celebrate such an iconic shirt. We look forward to working with them over the course of the season and beyond to deliver a brilliant partnership.”
Matt Sheen, CEO for Draper Tools said: “We at Draper Tools are very proud to be one of the partners of Southampton FC men’s and women’s teams this season. As a family business, our local community has always been important to us, and we’ve never forgotten our history with the club. Recent years have seen us support the work of the club’s official charity, Saints Foundation, so it feels really special for our relationship with the club to enter this exciting new chapter. After a difficult last season for the men’s team, it’s now all about supporting them in what will be a very competitive EFL Championship. Being a lifelong fan, like many of my Draper colleagues, the nostalgia involved in this partnership feels great too.”
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