FA announce sponsorship deal with Mars

The Football Association have announced a five-year sponsorship deal with confectionery giants Mars.

Mars will initially be an official supplier to England until July 2010 then become a “supporter” of the team, and they will also help drive a new element of the FA’s ’Get into Football’ campaign, focusing on recruiting male footballers over 18 and retaining current teams.

Trevor Brooking, director of football development at The FA, said: “These are exciting times for the England team and to have Mars, an iconic brand that’s loved by football fans, on board as a sponsor is a positive thing. We are looking forward to a successful long-term partnership.”

Former England winger John Barnes, an ambassador for the MARS brand, added: “I was lucky enough to be part of the England team and the positive impact of the fans support cannot be underestimated. With MARS we’re going to help fans feel closer to the team and help their support energise the team too.”