World Cup Bid Sponsors, Umbro for England, Team USA Raises $4 Million

Two New Partners for U.S. World Cup Bid

American Airlines is the latest sponsor of the U.S. World Cup bid. It's the second partnership announced by the bid this week. Communications giant AT&T was announced earlier in the week.

Financial details were not disclosed.

"American Airlines is certainly one of the most recognized symbols of our country’s outstanding transportation infrastructure," said Sunil Gulati, bid chairman and president of US Soccer.

"The partnership with the USA bid committee is yet another example of their deep commitment to the sport that started with their backing of the 1994 World Cup."

The company is currently the official airline of Major League Soccer as well as several professional soccer clubs.

Through the US bid sponsorship, American Airlines will use its corporate communications channels to promote the online petition drive of the U.S. bid. The petition has already attracted more than 990,000 supporters to www.goUSAbid.com.

The US is vying to stage the 2018 or 2022 World Cup with eight other bidders. Australia, England, Holland-Belgium, Japan, Qatar, Russia, Spain-Portugal and South Korea are also seeking to secure at least one of the tournaments.

FIFA will decide the hosts on Dec. 2.

Umbro Extends England Partnership

Sportswear manufacturer Umbro has extended its long-running sponsorship of the England football team until 2018.

Umbro will provide kit for Club England’s 23 football teams, including the men’s national teams, women’s, futsal, disability and amateur sides.

The company also will invest in 3,000 county FA courses every year, training 60,000 players, referees and coaches annually.

The deal also includes partnerships with the FA’s new training centre in Burton-upon-Trent, Wembley Stadium and England’s World Cup bid team.

"We have a fantastic relationship with Umbro that spans almost 60 years," said FA general secretary Alex Horne.

"They are part of the fabric of English football and this significant long-term investment into our partnership demonstrates the enduring strength of the England brand."

Team USA Raises $4 Million

The USOC "America Supports Team USA" program raised more than $4 million inprivate donations during 2010. It is the second year for the campaign.

"Olympians and Paralympians are reliant on donations to achieve their dreams of representing the United States at the Olympic and Paralympic Games," Scott Blackmun, USOC CEO, said in a press release.

"And, what this initiative was able to achieve in such a relatively short amount of time is a testament to the generosity of Americans and proof that America truly supports Team USA."

The average donation was $31.

adidas Extends with MLS

Athletic apparel company adidas extended its sponsorship with Major League Soccer until 2018.

The partnership dates back to 1996.

"The United States is a breeding ground for athletic talent and we need to ensure our homegrown athleteshave viable opportunities to play soccer at the highest level," adidas America President, Patrik Nilsson, said in a press release.

"We need to accelerate the model for soccer development in North America to attract and keep elite talent engaged and excited about professional opportunities in the sport."

Briefs…

…The USOC reorganized its Marketing Division. Marketing Services, Partnership marketing, Business Development and Licensing/Consumer Products will report to Chief Marketing Officer, Lisa Baird.

…The 2010 ICF Canoe Polo World Championship will use Conti balls after the company became the ball supplier for the World and Continental Championships until 2014.

Media Watch…

The Vancouver Sun reports that Canadian gold medalists are still waiting for endorsement deals after the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

http://www.vancouversun.com/story_print.html?id=3452624&sponsor=ver Olympics.

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With reporting from Mark Bisson and Isia Reaves

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