Blues dial up Caribbean teleco deal

MANCHESTER City and its sister club New York City have signed a second international partnership deal in a week.

The latest commercial deal is with Digicel, a communications company focused on the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but City, which earlier this week agreed a deal with US nutrition brand MusclePharm, said the clubs had agreed a  “multi-year partnership” with Digicel.

As part of the arrangement, City and New York City will work with the telecoms firm to create multimedia content, as well as run community coaching initiatives.

The partnership will also see collaboration on Digicel’s Kick Start coaching programmes across 15 markets annually with further coaching programmes for the top selected players to take place in the training Academies of New York City FC, Manchester City FC and Melbourne City FC for up to 24 young aspiring football players in total.

Omar Berrada, commercial director of City Football Marketing, which brokers Manchester City FC and New York City FC’s commercial partnerships, said Digicel is the group’s first partner in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific Islands.

“Digicel has invested significantly in growing, developing and marketing football across their regions for several years and we are looking forward to working together to bring exciting promotions and content to football fans across these markets.”

Digicel Group director of marketing operations, Kieran Foley, added: “This marks the next phase in our development marrying content and community programmes across all our markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific as well as into our Diaspora communities from afar.   

“Knowing we have set  the bar high with our previous partnerships from the Barclays Premier League and with the Caribbean Football Union, we are very excited to develop this platform with Manchester City FC and New York City FC, to deliver compelling and exclusive content which our customers can consume in broadcast, digital and mobile channels, exciting experiences and promotions, as well as the unique and greatly enhanced.”

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