Italian sportswear company, Lotto has announced its first team uniform sponsorship of TT Pro League football club, North East Stars.
The announcement was made this week by Omar Hadeed, Marketing Manager of Lotto's Trinidad & Tobago distributors, Sports & Games.
“Lotto and Sports & Games are proud to be associated with North East Stars and their bold vision to set the diamond standard for professional football in Trinidad & Tobago" said Hadeed. "We are not just investing in the football team, but in the whole Sandre Grande and North East community. The passion and belief emanating from this football club has convinced both Lotto and Sports & Games to commit to a long term partnership with the club.”
North East Stars, CEO Brent Sancho elated over the partnership said, “We are delighted to be supported by a global brand such as Lotto and, by extension, Sports & Games.”
“Our three (3) year plan aims at bringing International teams to Sandre Grande and therefore we need to join the fold of world famous football clubs. Partnering with Lotto means we are joining clubs such as Borussia Monchengladbach, Udinese, Fiorentina, Deportivo De La Coruna and Queens Park Rangers and national teams such as Colombia and Costa Rica. We are now looking to secure a business partner to sponsor our youth teams,” added Sancho.
Stars will begin the 2010 season in their traditional uniform before switching to the specially designed Lotto uniforms in June.
Stars Operations Director, Kevin Harrison said, “Despite discussions with other European manufacturers, we selected Lotto for several reasons. They share our vision to bring football into the community and will ensure, through Sports & Games, that replica shirts and shorts will be available at TT$350. It is important that together we fight to make quality merchandise affordable.”
Director of Football, Kevin Jeffrey went on to explain that Lotto's intentions to retail replica uniforms at affordable prices greatly influenced the North East team in their decision.
“Young people want to emulate their heroes, but this is only possible if products are affordable to supporters.”