Can we seek a sponsor for the Academy?

[glass half full]

It may be too complicated or against FA rules but might it not be an idea to start an active search for our excellent Academy setup?

B & Q Royals Academy anyone?

[tidus_mi2]

To be fair it couldn't be the most improbable thing, our academy is getting a reputation due to the success of the U18s and U21s (Not as much as Southampton but meh), perhaps it could happen.

[Green]

B & Q Royals Academy anyone?

Kes is your man for this.

[Royal Biscuitman]

Police Academy (sponsored by Police sun glasses)

[Royal Ginger]

Injury Lawyers 4 U Academy?

[LUX]

W8rose

[Ian Royal]

On the face of it it's a really good idea. But I'm just not sure where the significant exposure is for a sponsorship deal that will actually bring much in.

Waitrose already have the spot on their shirts. The vast majority of Reading fans, let alone football fans are going to have very little awareness of an Academy sponsor. It won't go on the Stadium, it won't go on the shirts. Essentially, it could go on the buildings, which no one ever sees. I'm not sure we could change the team name to the Reading 'B&Q' U21s / U18s etc.

If anyone can come up with a way to get the sponsor some exposure from doing it, I think it's a super idea, but I just can't see how they'd benefit.

[glass half full]

On the face of it it's a really good idea. But I'm just not sure where the significant exposure is for a sponsorship deal that will actually bring much in.

Waitrose already have the spot on their shirts. The vast majority of Reading fans, let alone football fans are going to have very little awareness of an Academy sponsor. It won't go on the Stadium, it won't go on the shirts. Essentially, it could go on the buildings, which no one ever sees. I'm not sure we could change the team name to the Reading 'B&Q' U21s / U18s etc.

If anyone can come up with a way to get the sponsor some exposure from doing it, I think it's a super idea, but I just can't see how they'd benefit.

Thanks, Ian, for your valid comments. It is something of a vicious circle, I suppose. Success in various competitions would bring exposure and more sympathy for sponsorship, which would make success more probable. .This would need to be achieved over time

[Royal Biscuitman]

I did e-mail the club before to suggest player sponsorship with the logos appearing on the scoreboard next to the players when they were read out, the guy who replied thought it was a good idea but nothing came of it.... It won't attract big money, but it should return a profit from the likes of those who sponsor the match ball.

[Green]

I'd find all of this a bit tacky to be honest.

Maybe I'm being old fashioned but what price a bit of dignity, a touch of class?

[Royal Biscuitman]

I'd find all of this a bit tacky to be honest.

Maybe I'm being old fashioned but what price a bit of dignity, a touch of class?

Dignity went out the window with rubble sticks, back the boys and make some noise and wot not.

Agree though that you don't want to upset high money sponsors such as Waitrose by associating with riff raff sponsors for a few extra quid here and there.

Particularly Stadium naming - The Waitrose Stadium sounds classy whereas the Cash converters stadium does not.

[Green]

"The Waitrose Stadium sounds classy"

OK I'm out

[Ian Royal]

"The Waitrose Stadium sounds classy"

OK I'm out

Comparatively Green, comparatively.

[Nameless]

I'd find all of this a bit tacky to be honest.

Maybe I'm being old fashioned but what price a bit of dignity, a touch of class?

If you are being old fashioned this should be right up your street. Back in the old days there was a whole page of the programme listing sponsors for each players shirt, shorts, socks, boots and training kit. There was even an option for the kids to sponsor their laces ! Must check some old programmes and see exactly when this was, but suspect 70's and 80's....