SUFFOLK FA have entered into a new partnership to supply bespoke footballs to clubs.

EB Group had supplied personalised footballs to Newcastle United FC displaying the club’s crest for a number of years when out of the blue they were asked to provide a ball for a new club sponsor.

When the Covid pandemic struck just over two years ago the business looked at expanding the idea through County FA’s, partnering first with their local county, Lincolnshire.

EB Group Managing Director Lee Moody said: “We duly provided bespoke footballs for their sponsors carrying both the County FA logo and that of the sponsor. This proved to be a major success with the sponsors requesting additional footballs.”

Correne Moody of EB Group and Suffolk FA Marketing & Communications Officer Nick Garnham with the ball made for Suffolk FA to launch the partnership

EB Group then approached Suffolk FA on the recommendation of Lincolnshire FA.

Lee outlined how the scheme works: “We will supply free-of-charge bespoke footballs to County FA sponsors, and any additional footballs they then order are paid for.

“In return, Suffolk FA will contact their clubs offering the same package, with a free bespoke ball to every sponsor linked to the club showing the sponsor’s artwork.”

Lee cited the example of a grandfather who sponsors the training tops for his grandson’s under-9 side.

He said: “When approached by the club to provide this sponsor with his free bespoke football he thought it too good to be true, and who wouldn’t?

“He now has his ball with that of the club crest together with his corporate logo sitting in pride of place in his showroom – a ball signed by the entire team, which is something money couldn’t buy.

“It’s a thank you for supporting, it’s the game’s lifeblood. And yes, he ordered additional footballs.

“The benefit to clubs is in the product. It provides a product for the sponsor and something they can be proud to show from boardrooms to showrooms.

 Former Newcastle United and Scotland captain Bobby Moncur is pictured (above, centre right) presenting a personalised ball on behalf of the club to Loganair

“Additional footballs are not compulsory to obtain your free football, but we are yet to meet a sponsor who hasn’t ordered more!”

Suffolk FA Marketing & Communications Officer Nick Garnham said: “We look forward to working with EB Group in the future and the benefits this will bring to our clubs and their sponsors.”

EB Group has also joined forces with jd Wetherspoon plc to raise funds for their Young Lives vs Cancer programme which will initially be run regionally.

If, as expected, this trial is successful, the final aim will be to introduce a national programme.