The season isn’t over just yet but the Northwest Football Awards has already snapped up a title after confirming MBNA as official naming rights partner for the next two years following a successful naming rights deal in 2014.
The deal was announced at tonight’s launch party for the 2015 MBNA Northwest Football Awards attended by the great and good of the beautiful game at Hotel Football, Old Trafford.
And while the Premier League title may now be on a 12-month loan at Chelsea, there were still plenty of talking points from all strands of the game for guests to celebrate and contemplate.
Michael Donald, commercial and customer experience executive for MBNA, was among the VIP guests and dignitaries at the launch party, hosted by broadcaster Hugh Ferris, as the Chester-based organisation was confirmed as naming rights partner at the event.
“We believe in the benefits of connecting business with sports fans, and are proud to be involved in honouring the Northwest’s topflight football talent,” said Michael.
“For over 20 years, football has been very close to our hearts; we have collaborated with key affinity partners to build a strong portfolio of co-branded credit cards, which include national and Northwest-based football clubs from across the leagues, notably Manchester United FC, Liverpool FC and Everton FC.”
He added: “MBNA regularly invests in the Northwest sports community through our sponsorships and association with Chester FC, Sale Sharks Rugby and Chester Racecourse.
“Sponsorship of this awards event is a key opportunity for MBNA to join fans and clubs in celebrating the outstanding football talent in the region.”
Over the coming months, thousands of fans – from the elite of the game to grass roots fans, from the community and businesses – will vote for a succession of major prizes.
All awards, including the coveted Lifetime Achievement accolade, will be announced and presented at the MBNA Northwest Football Awards at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford on November 16.
“Since acquiring the NWFA in June 2012, the event continues to grow in profile and stature,” said Laura Wolfe, managing director of Journey9 and the MBNA Northwest Football Awards.
“This is evident not only by the level of attendance from all professional clubs across the Northwest, but also by high-profile partners we are securing and retaining like MBNA.
“We were delighted to have their support for the 2014 Awards and thrilled to have them on board again for 2015, and we look forward to building the relationship across all things football.”