As part of the deal club legend Frank Farina as Brand Ambassador on 25th Anniversary of Historical NSL Win…
The Brisbane Strikers Football Club has announced a new partnership with international brand Uhlsport for the 2022 season that will involve former Strikers’ coach-player Frank Farina as brand ambassador.
The announcement comes in the lead up to next year’s 25th anniversary of the Club’s historical win in the 1997 National Soccer League grand final, and celebrates a reunion of the two brands that were in strong partnership years ago and especially during the 1996-97 season.
New Brisbane Strikers Chairperson Julianna Suranyi said Uhlsport’s 2022 season sponsorship was important to celebrate the Club’s culture and to support its new technical and commercial direction, which had signed several top players and coaches for next year’s NPL competition.
“The Brisbane Strikers board is thrilled to have Uhlsport as a sponsor again after many years, and we are especially excited to have the support and ambassadorship of Frank Farina through Uhlsport during such a commemorative and important season for us.
“While the Silver Anniversary of the 1997 NSL grand final win will be a big focus in 2022, it is underpinned by our commitment to our talented players, our great coaching line up and our extensive range of programs and initiatives for all ages across the Brisbane Strikers Club.”
Representing and managing Uhlsport in his role as Business Development Manager for Statewide Sports, Frank Farina said the Uhlsport’s sponsorship of the Brisbane Strikers brought the two brands back together for a significant Club milestone.
“The Brisbane Strikers had just rebranded their jerseys with Uhlsport when I joined the Club for the 1995-96 season on returning from Europe. With this new sponsorship we are revisiting the key elements of that jersey as well as commemorating the 25th anniversary of our NSL premiership win.
“Until that moment on 25 May 1997, there had not been any national grand final of any football (soccer) code held in Brisbane. The day was momentous with Lang Park, now Suncorp Stadium, completely sold out to a crowd of 40,446. Until then, no Brisbane football team had won a championship and with the Brisbane Strikers capturing that national title, it was the birth of Queensland’s seriousness in football.
“For the Brisbane Strikers, that win not only meant credibility, it went into folklore. As a big sponsor back then, the Uhlsport logo was synonymous with the Strikers uniform and their historic national win, and I am thrilled to be associated with the Club again many years later through Uhlsport.”
Statewide Sports co-owner Chevaunne Paremain said the company brought Uhlsport into Australia and kitted out the Strikers national league team in the early 1990s.
“This partnership brings Uhlsport full circle, as we started with the Strikers and had some great wins. With the 25th anniversary of the NSL grand final win, we are going back to the origin of our relationship.
“While the vision of the Strikers’ new board is part of the reason the two brands have reconnected, the biggest role to play in the new partnership is thanks to Frank, through his connection back to the 1990s team. Statewide Sports through Uhlsport is really proud to partner with the Brisbane Strikers and align with this prestigious club.”
