By Audley Boyd, Assistant Sport Editor 
Locker Room Sports' managing director, David Shirley (centre), points as Santos' Adrian Reid (left) and Andrew Sewell, the team's captain, sign their contract at Locker Room Sports on Thursday. - Contributed
TWO TOP players from KSAFA Super League team Santos Football Club have joined the list of sports persons contracted to wear the Kelme brand after signing an endorsement deal with its local distributors, Locker Room Sports.
Andrew Sewell, the team's captain and goalkeeper, and utility player Adrian Reid signed the year-ending agreement yesterday morning with Locker Room's managing director, David Shirley, at the company's main office at 92 Hope Road.
Under the contract, Locker Room Limited will provide the players with three pairs of match boots, one pair of peg boots, one pair of training boots, three sets of training gear, a travelling bag and a 30 per cent discount on all personal items purchased.
MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
The players are required to wear Kelme footwear in all local and international games, unless authorised by Locker Room Sports' management in writing prior to games; make themselves available for photo shoots, promotional events and other marketing opportunities involving Locker Room and Kelme Sporting Goods; and conduct themselves as professionals as any behaviour not fitting the company's image will result in cancellation.
The contract also states that if there is a violation the sponsored player is liable for the dollar-value spent on all items received from Locker Room and Kelme.
"It's just a basic start-off," Shirley said, before explaining some other benefits available to the players. Much of it has to do with their marketing potential because if they are able to generate business for the company then they will get a five per cent commission.
"It's an opportunity to make some money on the side ... Ideally, that's what I'd like to see," Shirley pointed out.
ENDORSEMENT DEALS
Since starting the company five years ago, Shirley says it has made endorsement deals with Premier League players, but yesterday's was the first "official contract" with players from another league.
"We try to boost the other leagues," Shirley said. "We're not necessarily looking for the best players, but ones with confidence."
Both players were delighted.
"I feel good as a youngster to get this opportunity. This will motivate me to do better in the football arena," said 18-year-old Reid who participated in a Manchester United camp in the United States last year.
"I'll carry out the necessary terms and try to get a new contract," he added.
Sewell, who was outstanding in his team's mid-season final triumph over Maverley-Hughenden by saving three penalties in the deciding shoot-out said: "It's good, it's a morale booster seeing that not a lot of people get a contract," the 24-year-old 'keeper said.
"My discipline will have to be up to scratch seeing that I'll be under the microscope because I'm wearing the product, and also my game.
"I'm looking to let Kelme more known to my club and people around me in my community," added Sewell.
Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis, coach of the league leading team and an instrumental figure in the deal, said: "We at Santos want to thank Shirley for his good gesture to some of our players and we are hoping that other companies will follow and try to help the clubs because the clubs really need help."
