Faversham unveil lucrative sponsorship deal

Faversham Town chiefs have signed a new £15,000 sponsorship deal with Kent recruitment firm Connect Personnel, writes James Brown.

Deputy commercial manager Marc Leader and Connect Personnel's Paul Bennett shook hands on the three-year agreement this week.

And the company's two-tone blue logo will now have pride of place on the Lilywhite jerseys of the first team, reserves and under-18s next season.

Connect Personnel, which has offices in Rochester, Greenwich and Dartford, was founded only in 1999 but is now a multi-million pound business.

Company director Mr Bennett, 46, believes the success of his firm mirrors the rise of Faversham Town from the brink of extinction to a thriving Kent League club.

And he is looking forward to playing a key role at Salters Lane as the born-again club chase success on the field while cementing their place at the heart of the community.

Mr Bennett, who moved to Davington in 2001, revealed he first learned about Faversham Town through club stalwarts, the late Ken Hammond and his wife Pam.

He told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk : "I moved to Faversham from Sidcup in 2001 and became friends with Pam Hammond and her husband Ken.

"They told me all about Faversham Town and I've watched the revival with great interest.

"Meanwhile, we were looking to sponsor someone with close links to local youth and it was really lucky that the Town were looking for a new partner.

"It's all come together and I couldn't be happier with the deal."

Mr Leader, who brokered the deal, said he was delighted the club had found such a dynamic new partner.

He explained: "I initially spoke to Paul over the phone and explained how the club had progressed.

"Just three years the club was in disarray but I told him how through hard work from volunteers and continual fund-raising we are in a position we never thought possible.

"The biggest plus point was the establishment of the under-18s last season and how we, as club officials, are looking for young lads boys to come through the ranks and play for the senior sides.

"We want to give the youth a facility that they can be proud of. We want them to have pride in the shirt and this is all very important to Paul.

"He explained that he was extremely keen to be part of a club that has youth as one of their top priorities.

"This deal is a vital cog in the club's wheel and I hope the relationship between Connect Personnel and Faversham Town will become stronger and stronger as we move forward together."

Mr Bennett, who is originally from Wales, insisted he was keen to play a hands-on role in driving the club forward, generating the finance that will power the regeneration of Salters Lane.

He said: "I am hoping to bring so much more to the table than just money.

"I have a number of business contacts in the area and am looking forward to taking the club on to the next level.

"The committee have worked wonders breathing fresh life into the club and I would never take anything away from that.

"However, I'd like to think I can bring in the sort of finance that will be needed to help fund the construction of a new clubhouse and other improvements.

"It's a great opportunity for all of us to work together and move the club on."

Family man Mr Bennett, who has two sons Neo (3) and Khai (17 months) with his wife Zung, believes his experience at Connect Personnel will be invaluable to Faversham Town over the next three years.

He explained: "There are many similarities when it comes to my business and Faversham Town.

"After all, I started out with nothing and have seen Connect Personnel grow at a rapid rate over the last eight years.

"Obviously, you need a certain amount of luck but the success of the business is also down to alot of hard work.

"The same can be said of Faversham Town's rise over the last three or four years. It's been a fabulous effort.

"Now I'm looking to provide financial support and some new ideas."

Mr Bennett was introduced to members of the committee last week and was thrilled to be offered the post of president.

The Swansea City fan said: "I'm delighted to accept and I'm really excited about the future.

"It'll be great to see the company name on all three teams including the youth team.

"The club colours of black and white are the same as Swansea so that's an added bonus!"

Chairman Bob Mason said Mr Bennett's enthusiasm would be a great asset behind the scenes.

He added: "Everyone is very pleased that the club has managed to secured a three-year deal worth a five-figure sum with Connect Personnel.

"Paul and his wife Zung see the club moving forward and are very keen to be involved and that's testament to all the hard work that has gone on over the last few years.

"On behalf of the club, I would like to thank them for their generosity and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership."

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk