Teesside International Airport has today (19 March) revealed it is now focusing on a different type of “Poolside” as Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen announced a new sponsorship deal with high-flying Hartlepool United Football Club.
The deal has seen the airport sponsor the Neale Cooper stand, named after the club’s former manager following his death in 2018, at the team’s Victoria Park stadium. It will run from now until the end of the next season in May 2022.
Hartlepool United will also play its part in highlighting the region’s local airport with “Poolside from Teesside” signage being displayed in the stands, a play on the team’s nickname as the Pools.
With the recent great news that the town will play host to the Tall Ships Race once again in 2023, and its Port will play a crucial role as part of the new Teesside Freeport, fingers are crossed that the football team can continue their great run of form. Following the team’s draw Kings Lynn Town in the National League this week and with the team playing Woking this weekend, promotion back to the football league is hopefully in sights.
Just days ago it was also announced that the airport would also be partnering with three local charities – Alice House Hospice, Great North Air Ambulance Service and the MFC Foundation – to develop fundraising opportunities including allowing people to donate their unwanted holiday currency to the causes at the terminal.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted to be able to welcome Hartlepool United to the ever-increasing number of businesses, organisations and charities that the airport is working to support and helping to grow, for the good of local people across Hartlepool.
“Hartlepool United is a much-loved club with a loyal, passionate fanbase who not only have pride in their team but also their region – and like us, want to see them both succeed. Many of you will know that it’s a team very close to my heart as my Uncle Keith played and managed the team for many years.
“We already know people from across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can get Poolside from Teesside with our expanded summer holiday services to across the Mediterranean and Black Sea with Balkan, JetsGo and now Ryanair.
“But now, as we look to continue increasing our domestic connections, we’re getting the message out that supporters from elsewhere in the UK could soon be able to get to see their teams take on the Pools via our airport!”
Hartlepool United Chairman Raj Singh said: “We are delighted that Teesside International Airport are supporting the club. There has been a lot of positivitysurrounding the Airport and also the wider Teesside region recently, so it’s great that we are able to announce this partnership between two great institutions in our community. I think it is a statement of intent from the football club that we have developed this relationship with a high-profile organisation, on the back of other recent partnership announcements.
“Everyone is looking forward to the date when fans can come back into Victoria Park, and when they do it will be great for them to see the new branding in place on the stand. I’d also like to thank Ben Houchen for coming today to show his continued support.”
