ISTHMIAN SPONSOR TO STIK AROUND
BOSTIK have been unveiled as the new title sponsor of the Isthmian League – while the Southern League Step 4 divisions get a rebrand.
Bostik, the world leader in adhesives and sealants, is already heavily involved in the sponsorship of Non-League football with the Northern Premier League and the Southern League under their EVO-STIK brand. The Isthmian League have been hunting for a new sponsor since announcing their long-running relationship with Ryman – the stationary company owned by Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis – had come to an end after 20 years. The three divisions will now be known as the Bostik Premier, Bostik North and Bostik South. League chairman Nick Robinson said: “The Isthmian Football League, now entering its 113th season, has 72 clubs that rely heavily on the financial support that sponsorship generates, and teaming up is certainly welcome news for everyone involved. We are delighted to be linked with such a well-known brand.” The Northern Premier League have extended their partnership with the company into an eighth season and their divisions will now be known as The EVO-STIK Premier, The EVO-STIK North and The EVO-STIK South. “We have a proud track record of retaining sponsors and working closely with them to drive return on investment,” said NPL chairman Mark Harris. “The league and our clubs devote a great deal of time and energy to promoting the sponsorship through our website, social media and - this season – our NPLTV match highlights programme. “The best form of recognition we could have is the financial input from major sponsorships like this, so we are delighted to be continuing to work with EVO-STIK.” Completing the set is the Southern League, but there is a change of name to their two Step 4 divisions with the Central and South & West monikers consigned to history. Instead they will be known as The EVO-STIK South East and The EVO-STIK South West, while the Step 3 division will be titled The EVO-STIK South Premier. Dale Poulton, commercial director of Bostik UK, said: “We’ve worked hard to get this deal in place. We have a proven relationship with this tier of football and believe it’s the ideal platform to generate awareness for our brands. By working closely with the league, we’re confident the new deal will help us achieve great things for the Bostik brand.”