New sponsor announced by Rochdale AFC

Gary Jones, Owain Fon Williams and Joe Thompson model Rochdale AFC's new home, goalkeeper's and away kits

4 More Image(s) In Gallery

The Co-operative was officially unveiled as Rochdale AFC's new principal sponsor today at Spotland Stadium in a two year deal that will see The Co-operative brand on the front and back of the team's home and away shirts.

The Co-operative's association with Rochdale goes back to 1844 when the first Co-operative was formed in the Town. This year the organisation is running its 'Join the Revolution' advertising campaign that looks back to The Co-operative's beginnings and the principles it founded in Rochdale that are still driving the Society today. The Co-operative is also carrying out an extensive refurbishment of The Co-operative Museum that is based in the town.

The deal is a welcome boost for the club who benefitted from promotion last season and will be looking to build on its recent success over the next two seasons. The Co-operative will not only benefit from branding on shirts and stadium but will also be running a number of promotions to drive more fans to the stadium to watch live football.

Liz Matkin, Head of Sponsorship for The Co-operative said, "We're delighted to become the Principle Sponsor of Rochdale AFC. Rochdale is a special place for The Co-operative and we've enjoyed a long association with the Club. Our partnership with Rochdale AFC forms part of our 'Join the Revolution' campaign which looks back at our heritage and how that has shaped our Society today. We're proud to not only put our name on the front of Rochdale's shirts but 1844, the date it all began, on the back!"

Iain Johnstone, said, "This is fantastic news for the club. The Co-operative has been an important partner of ours for many years and is an important player in the town. This new deal will give the Co-operative a great platform to talk about their history in Rochdale and also enjoy a greater level of awareness through our rejuvenated team."

The sponsorship agreement starts from today and will see Dale turn out in the new Co-operative branded club kit for their last home game of the season against Peterborough United on Saturday 30 April and a small number of shirts are available to purchase in the Club Shop but only while stocks last.

With the announcement of the two-year sponsorship deal with the Co-operative the club is delighted to announce the arrival of two new shirts for next season.

The purple away kit has been replaced by a white kit with a purple stripe and trim and the home shirt has gone through a minor change with the collar and sleeves being the more noticeable alterations.