By Andrew Warshaw
August 23 – It isn’t every day that a part-time grassroots football club manages to get into bed with a global giant.
But Enfield Town, who play in the seventh tier of English football, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by striking a shirt sponsorship deal with world-famous wrestling brand WWE.
The recently announced tie-up has generated unprecedented international exposure for the north London club – the UK’s first supporter-owned team – in a string of countries from the United States to India.
Two years ago, WWE launched a performance centre in the Enfield area and has now agreed to sponsor the local team’s shirts through its UK-based arm, NXT UK – a showcase for WWE’s British-based talent – in what is a first-of-its-kind partnership spanning the 2021/22 season.
“The launch of WWE’s UK Performance Centre in 2019 saw the roots of NXT UK firmly grounded in Enfield and through this partnership we are thrilled to continue supporting the Enfield community,” said Michael Levin, WWE Vice President, International.
“Enfield Town FC and WWE share an intrinsic value of putting fans at the heart of everything we do, a vision of supporting the next generation of talent in sport and entertainment, and a goal of putting smiles on the faces of our fans.”
WWE hall of famer Triple H commented in a social media promo: “Enfield in London has played a big part in the journey of NXT UK. Enfield Town share our passion in putting fans at the centre of everything we do.”
Enfield play in the Isthmian League Premier Division, three levels below League Two, and chairman Paul Reed, who helped negotiate the deal, could not contain his excitement.
“For a fan-owned club committed to delivering a sense of community and entertainment to the local area, to have a partner with the magnitude and ethos of WWE is truly special,” said Reed.
“Our vision is one of inclusivity and equality for all and to be a social centre for Enfield, and we welcome NXT UK as part of the family in our 20thAnniversary year.”
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