Pitching In: Isthmian League announce new title sponsor

The Isthmian Football League has announced a new title-sponsor – to replace the deal with Bet Victor, which lasted just one season.

“The Pitching In Grassroots Sports Investment Programme is our new sponsor,” said a League statement.

“We are delighted to announce that the new sponsor of the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues is Pitching In.  For the period of the sponsorship we will be known as the Pitching In Isthmian League.

“Pitching In is a new grassroots sports investment programme that has today been launched by GVC, the multi-national sports-betting and gaming group which owns Ladbrokes and Coral.

“The partnership covers all three leagues that make up Steps Three and Four of the National Leagues System, who market themselves collectively as the Trident Leagues.”

England footballing legend Stuart Pearce, who played for Wealdstone FC for five years at the start of his long and illustrious career, has been appointed as the official Pitching In ambassador.

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of ambassador for Pitching In, as I’m passionate about the importance of investing in grassroots sports and in developing young talent,” said Pearce.

“I started out playing for Wealdstone FC before joining Coventry City so I understand how important funding is to the non-league game.

“Grassroots football is facing huge challenges at the moment and many clubs are struggling to stay afloat.

“GVC’s Pitching In investment will help make a big difference to hundreds of clubs and thousands of players across the country.”

Previous Isthmian League sponsors include Vauxhall, Diadora, Ryman and Bostik but footballers who play in the Isthmian League are banned from placing bets on any football match around the world.

Visit the Isthmian League website: www.isthmian.co.uk