The San Jose Earthquakes and Amway Global announced a historic three-year partnership agreement Tuesday that will include Amway Global's name on the front of the Earthquakes jerseys beginning in 2009. The partnership also features a number of in-stadium, community and grassroots components that will provide greater visibility for both the Earthquakes and Amway Global.
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"Putting Amway Global's logo on our jersey is another example of soccer's growth as a major player in the sports marketplace," said Earthquakes Executive Vice President David Alioto. "We are proud to enter into this partnership with Amway Global. Amway Global is a major international brand and has demonstrated a strong commitment to soccer both in the United States and around the world."
The partnership between Amway Global and the Earthquakes kicks off at the Mexico-Sweden match on January 28 at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum when all entry signage for the game will be branded with Amway Global logos. Overall, the agreement will see the Amway Global logo adorn the team's jerseys as well as all team gear, including training tops and team travel apparel. Along with the jersey sponsorship, the deal includes a major signage component as well as a 30-foot tall inflatable Amway Global/Earthquakes jersey that will be displayed at all home Earthquakes games.
"Amway Global is thrilled to become part of the San Jose Earthquakes family. Interest in Major League Soccer continues to rise, so this sponsorship positions us well to reach millions of consumers with our health, beauty and business brand messages," said Steve Lieberman, Managing Director of Amway Global. "Internationally, soccer superstar Ronaldinho endorses our NUTRILITE® brand of supplements, and the NUTRILITE brand also sponsors his club, AC Milan. We hope we can expand upon those international associations and become part of the growing excitement for soccer here in the U.S. with the Earthquakes," said Lieberman.
A major part of the partnership is focused on community initiatives in the Bay Area. Amway Global is now the official sponsor of the Kicks for Kids program that focuses on fitness and healthy lifestyles, as well as bringing underprivileged children to Earthquakes games. Through the program, Earthquakes players will visit 15 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle. At each event, the player will also distribute tickets and replica jersey shirts to 150 children per school. The program kicks off prior to the team's home opener on March 21 against the New England Revolution. Amway Global and the Earthquakes also will sponsor the Hispanic Youth Soccer Scholarship Program. This program will pay the expenses for one year of soccer for a deserving youth player in the Bay Area.
Amway Global will be the presenting sponsor for the opening night on Saturday, March 21 when the Earthquakes host the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium and will give the first 5,000 fans an Earthquakes replica jersey t-shirt at the match. The game also marks the first opportunity for fans to purchase the new authentic Earthquakes kit.
The partnership will also see the creation of the Amway Global Street Team in 2009. The Amway Global Street Team will appear at all home games, while also having a presence at a number of soccer and non-soccer events throughout the Bay Area. The members of the Amway Global Street Team will give away Earthquakes-branded merchandise and provide soccer skills demonstrations at each event.
