Jureidini

Defending premier league and Caribbean Cup champions, Harbour View Football Club, are in the process of finalising a three-to-four-year contract, which will see the Stars of the East officially become an Adidas-sponsored club.

Harbour View already have an ongoing relationship, for the past two years, with the world renowned brand. However, until now, their arrangement has been facilitated by local distributors Western Sports. But when details of the contract extension are finalised next month, the outfit will deal directly with Adidas Latin America, a first for any club in the Caribbean.

"We expect to close the deal by next month; by the latest, March 31; we were working with a distributor but when the contract is finalised, we will work directly with Latin America," said sport marketing specialist for the region, Alcibiades Paredes, who was in the island for a one-day visit.

In The Gleaner exclusive, Paredes added: "We are impressed by the structure. We went to the stadium for the first time and spoke to the Under-21 coach. We also viewed the area which will be the future site for an academy. This is the type of thing that you want for both the game and the brand."

sponsorship package

The sponsorship package is expected to be worth somewhere in the region of US$30,000-US$50,000 per season. Gear, which include boots, jerseys, underwear and lifestyle products, should be provided not just for the Premier League team, but also the Under-21 and women's teams.

Harbour View FC general manager, Clyde Jureidini, was pleased with the club's continued development.

"Things have not yet been finalised, but it is a step in the right direction for us, because this would be support for all the teams at the club," he said.

The club, which will also take part in the newly-formatted CONCACAF Club Champion-ship for 24 leading clubs in the region, has already signed a 'Letter of Intent', which will see them receive a special match kit and warm undergarment equipment for the upcoming CONCACAF quarter-final games against DC United on March 12 and 18.

- Kwesi Mugisa