If the first three months of 2019 weren’t productive enough, April as always is the beginning of a real busy period for us and as such we haven’t been able to bring you our newsletter. Fortunately, we now have time to bring you a double edition and here’s how April and May unfolded at 360 House…………………….
We didn’t have time for any fooling around at the beginning of the month as we were working tirelessly across numerous sports and in particular towards the end of the Vanarama National League season and ‘May-hem,’ which it truly was………………………There was one final meeting at Wembley for the potential promotion semi finalists and then it was all systems go!
We branded the Peninsula stadium in Vanarama colours ahead of the LIVE BT Sport game between promotion chasing Salford City and Maidenhead Utd and after a straightforward victory, nobody knew if the Ammies were going up automatically or if they’d be in the play-off eliminators but we had that feeling we’d be seeing them again.
A week later we were at Damson Park as Solihull Moors hosted Leyton Orient, wondering if the promotion picture was about to show any signs of clearing itself up. After a hard fought 0-0 in the LIVE BT Sport game, Orient were all but Champions and Fylde put the cat amongst the pigeons by beating Salford on the same day………. One up, one to go.
We were lulled into a false sense of security as we delivered a picture-perfect trophy presentation to National League South Champions Torquay in the southern sunshine. A week later and we were at Brisbane Road to crown Leyton Orient National League champions and then Liberty Way, Nuneaton to crown Stockport County champions of the north. What felt like the windiest afternoon on record, coincided with two of the biggest clubs outside of the football league getting promoted and together it made for quite a day. We’re well versed in delivering trophy presentations and have seen most things, but this was unique.
When the cameras clicked and the film rolled however, both looked the part and made for great viewing……..May-hem wasn’t due for another couple of weeks but celebrations were in full swing and both teams’ fans were loud, proud and possibly a little over exuberant but it’s why we love football. Everything you want from the beautiful game is #AllInTheNationALLeague.
If anybody thought League sponsors Vanarama weren’t already making a brilliant impression, they then picked up an award for their outstanding re-brand of the competition and subsequent Manarama campaign. Some great work went into the month-long crusade and it was great to see it at close quarters……. Well played Vanarama!
Staying in the football world and online casino giants 32Red were enjoying a fine end to the season. Preston managed to tie down Alex Neil and extend his managerial stay at Deepdale and Leeds were heading into the play-offs with Villa and Derby after a home defeat to Wigan. A blistering day and even hotter atmosphere made it a brilliant afternoon. We then knew one way or the other, at least one 32Red sponsored team would be at Wembley in the play-offs.
It didn’t stop there for 32Red either, as they also renewed their kit sponsorship with Scottish footballing giants Rangers and it’s great to see this partnership continue as both client and club are brilliant to work with.
The Netball season was heading for a thrilling finale as Manchester Thunder looked menacing as they convincingly beat Strathclyde Sirens to keep the pressure on reigning champions Wasps. Equally impressive were the multitude of clients we have on the LED perimeter advertising, providing a fitting backdrop to the LIVE action on Sky Sports.
Jasic sponsored Gerwyn Price was making a much better fist of his second showing in the Premier League of darts as April drew to a close and was right in amongst the chasing pack. He just missed out reaching the final four unfortunately but after a brilliant season, he’s well placed for another crack next year. The Ice Man is definitely a box office star in the world of darts!
Betfred renewed their deal with Super League and it was a proud moment for us at Sports 360, having worked on bringing the two parties together in the first place. Our due diligence and ability to bring together brands and competitions that match is what we’re all about and we like to think this was further proof of our hard work.
Rugby League had a great couple of months as reigning Super League Champions Wigan Warriors headed off to Spain to play Challenge Cup winners Catalans Dragons and then Magic weekend followed shortly after. In only a matter of weeks, Rugby League was played at Camp Nou and Anfield. More ingenuity from the greatest game of all.
We were privileged to attend the Crucible a couple of times throughout this year’s competition and although he didn’t progress as he might have liked, Jasic sponsored Shaun Murphy was beaten by an inform Neil Robertson, who himself went deep into the tournament. Not the longest run from the magician but some outstanding BBC coverage for the welding giants none the less.
Manchester Thunder were back on Sky Sports as the Vitality Netball Super League reached a crescendo and they managed to topple reigning champions Wasps in a thrilling final, bringing an end to the Midlanders recent domination. Netball has grown hugely over the last couple of years and hopefully there is further to come as the world cup draws ever nearer. A gold medal for the Roses could propel them into, dare we say it, household names.
We have many meetings throughout the year, some are better than others as is the case in any industry, but we had a great morning at Oldham Athletic in May as we sat in the stands and discussed all things football. The ‘catch’ was the local school’s final taking place simultaneously. The meeting nearly came to a natural close at full time and then again at the end of extra time, but it wasn’t until after the last penalty hit the net that we wrapped things up…………………………. “It’s a funny old game.”
It was then full steam ahead for the end of the National League season and boy was it exciting. It was a pleasure to work on the official betting partner deal and bring LV Bet into the National League ‘stable’ ahead of the season finale and then it was all eyes on the pitch.
First stop Fylde for the LIVE BT Sport game where the coasters beat Harrogate for a chance to play Solihull for a place at Wembley and then 24 hours later we were in Wrexham to see Eastleigh pip the Red Dragons in extra time. A week in which European giants were battling it out for a Champions League final place and Danny Hollands hits the best volley we’ve seen in many a year…………. It’s #AllInTheNationALLeague.
May-hem was in full swing and next stop was Salford as they played Eastleigh for the chance to head to Wembley and take on Fylde for a place in the football league. Salford edged it on penalties, but it was still impossible to see who would be victorious under the Wembley arch.
Delivering the presentation at Wembley is a highlight of our year but with the added buzz of the Class of 92 being in attendance, it really did give the National League a lift on the competition’s biggest day.
We have worked with the National league for well over a decade now and champion the league at every opportunity, as does everyone involved because it’s a fantastic competition, but to hear footballing giants Beckham, the Neville brothers, Giggs and Butt speak so glowingly about it was brilliant to see and hear……………..Thanks lads!
We finished a tremendous weekend and indeed a tremendous couple of months by delivering two more trophy presentations for National League South promotion champions Woking and North champions Chorley.
One minute you’re watching the Class of 92 shaking hands with their victorious team on the hallowed turf of Wembley and the next you’re watching Chorley assistant manager Johnny Smith serenading his troops with a rendition of ‘Ice, Ice Baby” and it makes you think……………….. it truly is #AllInTheNationALLeague.
