Darlington FC are offering companies of all sizes the chance to become the club's official shirt sponsor as part of a unique business club.
The Quakers are launching the new Business Backing Darlington Club, which involves firms paying £5,000 in return for a number of hospitality benefits.
But the big carrot is that all members of the exclusive club will be automatically entered into a free draw, with the club's official shirt sponsor up for grabs!
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The entry fee entitles members to a perimeter advertising board at the Northern Echo Arena, one full Match Sponsorship package including a full-page programme advert, a company logo in every matchday programme and a table of 10 to a Sportsman's Dinner next February, when the guest speaker will make the awaited draw.
The club gives local and national firms based in and around Darlington to get behind the ambitious plans and will also enable firms small and large, local and national, to come together on a quarterly basis at the Northern Echo Arena as part of a network of businesses.
Chairman Raj Singh explains: "I've said many times that we not only need the support of our fans, but also of our local businesses.
"This is something we've never offered before and we believe it opens the availability of the shirt sponsorship to all ranges of businesses.
"This is something we've never offered before and we believe it opens the availability of the shirt sponsorship to all ranges of businesses.
"Our deal with Darlington Building Society expires at the end of the season and we're grateful to the society for their support over the years.
"But this offers us a new direction and we believe this is a unique chance most companies can't afford to miss.
"A shirt sponsorship deal is a brilliant way to increase brand awareness, but it's probably something a lot of firms look at and think it's out of their reach.
"This will be within a lot of company's budgets and, at the end of the day, one lucky company will end up on the front of our shirt, so from a business point of view it's a no-brainer.
"The best thing is that every firm will get a great deal to show in return for their investment, and 100% of the revenue earned from this goes back into supporting the club, so it's an ideal way for our corporate and business fans to support Darlington FC.
"It also gives firms a chance to network with quarterly events at the Arena, meaning members will be able to enjoy each others' company and discuss ways they can trade together and develop a successful local strategy, all while supporting the local football club."
Manager Stephen Staunton added: "I'm not aware of this being done anywhere else before and I think it's a great idea.
"I'm no business expert by any means but it seems like a great opportunity for a lot of firms to take advantage of something they'd never normally be able to, while supporting their club at the same time, so I think it's a fantastic initiative and something I'm sure a lot of firms in Darlington and surrounding areas will be interested in."
