Port Vale chooses responsible sponsors
Port Vale’s new kit was unveiled last month, and Robbie William’s ideas have truly been transformed into a gorgeous looking and modern take on our classic colours.
Rather than focusing on the aesthetics of the new design, which have been covered extensively elsewhere including in our posts about the new home and away kits, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on the outstanding ethics displayed in the team’s choice of sponsors.
While our corporate sponsors may just look like snazzy logos on jerseys most of the time, it’s worth delving into the high standards of these companies. Our front of shirt sponsor Synectics Solutions is a model modern corporation in the financial security space with extensive care shown to staff and community wellbeing. And our back of shirt sponsor is Staffordshire University; an admirable selection for showcasing local education options for our youths.
Furthermore, the back of shorts sponsor Global QA Consultants are business growth consultants with a history spanning over two decades. Notably, they observe healthy civic celebrations such as lesser known National Food Safety Week or the more generally observed World Environment Day, about which they write: “we believe that today is not only about stating that we are celebrating World Environment Day but educating people on the impacts of littering that many are unlikely to consider when they leave their disposable barbecues and bottles in the park after a day of picnicking”.
While this might not seem of prime importance for all of us football fans, it is a very modern and responsible approach to sponsoring in the sport. With an increasing prevalence of gambling sponsors in the sport, this approach provides a stark contrast to the likes of Premier League teams of which only three had no gambling sponsors last season!
Recent surveys and research have indicated that problem gambling is a very common ailment in Great Britain, with extraordinary estimated numbers of between 0.7% and 2.7% of all adults potentially suffering from problematic behaviour relating to gambling. With gambling an increasing health issue in the UK and the almost £15 billion industry only expanding following the pandemic’s period of uncertainty, social distancing and lockdown, MPs are taking action on gambling in the UK.
What these kinds of actions will mean for the future of gambling sponsors in sports remains unclear, but given the exemplary choice of Port Vale, our club needn’t worry about the fall out. In summary, not the most pressing issue facing the club, but certainly a feather in the hat and another reason to be proud of our team!