1st August 2006 - CONFERENCE TIE UP WORLD-FIRST SOCKATYES AGREEMENT

Players from Burton Albion, Alfreton Town, Hucknall Town and Hinckley pose with their Sockatyes after the launch of a two-year six figure sponsorship deal with Lucky8bet.com and the Conference at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton Albion FC today

A world-first new sponsorship agreement was today (Tuesday) unveiled by the Football Conference.
On-line gaming company Lucky8Bet.com have signed a substantial six-figure deal with the Competition for the company to feature on all 68 member clubs.

Conference managers Nigel Clough (Burton Albion) and Gary Mills (Alfreton), Hucknall chairman Brian Holmes and players from Burton, Alfreton, Hinckley and Hucknall were all at the Pirelli Stadium to officially unveil the sponsorship.

Sockatyes, carrying the Lucky8Bet.com logo, will be worn by clubs in all three divisions of the Conference next season. As part of the sponsorship, Lucky8Bet.com will also become the official gaming partner of the Conference.
The Conference agreement is the first generic League deal entered into by Sockatyes since the passing of rules by the Football Association allowing sponsorship on the sock ties.

Joanna Adams, commercial director of the Football Conference, said: “The Conference always prides itself on being at the forefront of new developments within the game. “This is a creative sponsorship with Sockatyes and Lucky8Bet.com and we are delighted to be the first league to enter into this type of agreement. “All clubs in the Conference will be wearing Sockatyes next season and this is an excellent addition to our portfolio.”

Russell Pointon, chairman of Sockatyes, said: “This is an historic day in the development of Sockatyes. “The Conference have shown great vision to become the first League to sign up. “We are currently speaking to major professional football leagues in North America, Europe and South America with a view to all their clubs wearing sponsored Sockatyes. “Sockatyes is a huge new sponsorship revenue stream for football clubs and leagues which we conservatively estimate will run into millions of pounds.”

Herman Liu, Chief Executive of Lucky8Bet.com, said: “We are looking forward to developing an excellent relationship with the Conference and their 68 clubs. “Sockatyes is a great new innovation in football and this is an excellent sponsorship opportunity for us to grow our brand and develop awareness of our on-line sports gaming portal.”