The Underwater Centre: Winning Sponsorship Deal for Highland Football Team

29 July 2009

The internationally renowned Underwater Centre in Fort William is about to kick off a special new business deal which is close to home – sponsorship of the Highland town's football club.

As well as a generous £10,000 donation, the successful subsea training and trials centre will also be offering behind the scenes business advice and guidance to the executive team at Fort William Football Club.

The current management team at The Underwater Centre, who bought the business after it went into receivership five years ago and have turned it into one of the world's top providers of subsea training, are keen to help turn round the fortunes of the club which has languished at the bottom of the Highland League for a number of years

The sponsorship move came after new chairman John Watssman and vice chairman Derek McGillivray, were appointed to the football club's executive committee.

Steve Ham, General Manager of The Underwater Centre, said the Fort William FC's new management team have shown commitment and passion to the club, particularly through the youth development policies.

““I was encouraged to see how the club's finances had been brought back to an even keel. Credit has to be given to the previous executive who did an excellent job in eradicating substantial debt and have left the new executive on a much healthier financial footing.”

“When we took over The Underwater Centre five years ago it was in a sorry position, and after five years hard work we're proud to be back at the top of the league of subsea training providers, and one of the biggest employers in Lochaber.

“We're keen to help the football club along a similar path to success. This is an opportunity to give back to the community, and I believe a successful football team could enhance the feel good factor that has already been developed by the likes of our local shinty, rugby and boxing clubs.”

Fort William Football Club chairman John Watssman said that the club is delighted to have secured the sponsorship deal with such a high profile local business.

“The Underwater Centre is a major employer in the area and at the hub of the Lochaber community so it's a very fitting partnership.

“Our vision is to develop our youth policies and focus on nurturing young, local football talent and this sponsorship deal will allow us to take this forward.

“This partnership is a new start for Fort William Football Club and we are confident that, with the support of The Underwater Centre, we will go from strength to strength.”