Orangebox Training Solutions are excited to have agreed to support FC Hartlepool ahead of a first season in the Northern League.
The Hartlepool Marina-based training provider has agreed to become the club’s sponsor of home shirts across all age groups and teams associated with the ambitious Grayfields club.
And Simon Corbett, the CEO of Orangebox, believes it is a fantastic time to be part of FC’s journey having been a former non-league footballer himself.
Simon, a former goalkeeper, used to have to play outside of his hometown during his younger days because there wasn’t a semi-professional team.
Simon said: “I am such a huge supporter of local football and fan of football in general, so I’m really pleased that Orangebox can help FC Hartlepool in this manner.
“Even though Orangebox’s logo will be on the home shirt next season when Terry Hill’s team head out on to the pitch in the Northern League for the first time, what was also important to me was that we also support the grassroots too.
“We wanted to make sure that all the teams across the club, ranging from Under-7s upwards, will have our support and hopefully we can help FC Hartlepool’s next generation of footballers too.
“I am looking forward to going down to Grayfields, where I played numerous times in the local Sunday league, to watch FC in action across the ages – I just hope they aren’t expecting me to get my boots out again and play for the Over-40s!”
FC Hartlepool secured promotion from the Wearside League in May by winning the title – just 18 months after taking over responsibility for the running of their Grayfields home.
It is only six years ago that FC formed its first junior team and now Orangebox will have its logo across the shirts of many, many more.
Chris Murray, FC’s club secretary, said: “Specsavers have been our sponsor for the last four years and we are so grateful for that. An opportunity has cropped up and Simon from Orangebox has stepped in. We are over the moon he has.
“Orangebox’s branding will be on the home kits from Under-7s through to the Over-40s as well as on the first team shirt playing in the Northern League.
“Simon played local football and has always wanted to see a Hartlepool team progress to this level. It is the first time in years a team from Hartlepool has reached the Northern League so he wanted to do what he could to help.
“We have made so much progress on and off the pitch in a short space of time. We will be registering 38 teams next season which is fantastic.”
FC Hartlepool’s league fixtures were announced this week and they will start with an away trip to Easington on July 28 in Northern League Division Two.