Animalates become front of home shirt sponsors
Oxford United are delighted to unveil a new partnership with Animalates, who will become the front-of-home-shirt sponsors for the 2013/14 season.
Animalates is an innovative and exciting exercise program combining Pilates, Yoga, Aerobics and Dance with an animal characters theme for children aged 4-11, providing dynamic exercise opportunities which are presented via streamed video or via Animalates Instructors in Primary Schools, specialised classes or at Animalates events.
The concept was created initially and test marketed in Australia by Kirra Rankin (Exercise Physiologist and Pilates instructor) and Mark McLinden (former professional Rugby League/ Rugby Union player and Personal Trainer) to teach children correct posture and to improve overall body conditioning with the main objectives being a reduction in childhood obesity and increased concentration for children as a result of exercise to aid their academic learning in the classroom.
Following the investment of United Chairman and Owner, Ian Lenagan, Animalates decided to relocate its major launch into the UK and earlier this year opened a London Office. As a result of the sponsorship, the distinctive Animalates logo will appear on the new home shirt for the first time when United take on Birmingham City at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (20th July).
Chairman Ian Lenagan said:
"Following our innovative shirt draw, we are delighted to welcome Isinglass onboard as our Away Shirt sponsor. However, with our new Commercial team only starting this week and the season about to kick off, I was delighted to put together two of our companies to see if was possible to negotiate a mutually-beneficial financial arrangement with Animalates to feature as the new Home Shirt sponsor.
“The arrangement they have negotiated should see well over £50,000 worth of benefit to both companies.
“I believe completely in the capability of the Oxford United brand to deliver great value, exposure and market penetration for all of our sponsors and partners and am delighted to see two of my companies come together in this way.
“Animalates is a young, dynamic company with big plans for the future and they fit very well with everything we are trying to achieve at the football club in style, community involvement and the values of exercise for young people."
Mark McLinden , co-founder of Animalates commented:
“Our entry into the UK has seen a complete redevelopment of our brand and of our family of animal characters featured in our online video content and live events.
“We are currently in the process of rolling out our activities in Primary Schools across Oxfordshire and therefore the sponsorship of Oxford United provides the perfect fit for us, not only geographically but also with such a community-focussed professional sports club.”
The Animalates logo will feature on the front of the new yellow Home Shirt while Witney-based HR company, Isinglass Consulting, will appear on the brand new Away Shirts.
The new Animalates-branded home shirts can be pre-ordered right now in all sizes from the Club Shop, via the new Online Store or by phoning 01865 335310.