A NEW partnership deal looks set to be a lucrative one for Basingstoke Town Football Club.

The club recently announced that Bartercard UK will become a principal sponsor for the 2017/18 season.

Bartercard UK, which is a global online trading platform, has secured a year-long sponsorship deal with the club, with sponsorship funds being offset against services the club would have otherwise paid for in cash.

The deal has already started to pay dividends with the club recently saving £1,000 on insurance renewals.

This is the latest development in the new look football club, which is going through a transitional period since chairman Rafi Razzak announced he would bring an end to his ongoing financial support to the club.

As previously reported in The Gazette, protests and campaigners fought to keep football in Basingstoke despite there being no interested parities in buying the club from Mr Razzak at the time.

However, this new deal is a critical phase in the club moving towards becoming a community club and saving money wherever necessary.

Will Wilkinson, head of digital and marketing at Basingstoke Town FC said: “As our fans will know, the club is going through a transition currently, with the current chairman stepping down and stopping his financing and the club moving to a community ownership model, so saving money off the bottom line is critical for us to survive and thrive.”

“We’re truly delighted to welcome Bartercard UK as a principal sponsor for the 2017/18 season.

“It means so much to our club to have such a great sponsor on board. Being aligned with such a globally established company is fantastic for our club, and can help elevate our status and reputation as a football club.”

Philip Ciniglio, chief exectuive officer of Bartercard UK, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to sponsor football clubs such as Basingstoke Town FC.

“As well as giving our support to the team, it gives Bartercard UK the chance to showcase our brand to potential new members. We wish all the team at Basingstoke Town the best of luck for the upcoming season.”

Founded in Australia in 1991, Bartercard is the operator of the world’s largest trade exchange where small to medium-sized businesses conduct transactions without the use of cash. Bartercard currently has over 50,000 cardholders who barter in trade currency to conserve cash, move excess stock, and increase their customer base.

As part of the partnership Bartercard UK branded hoardings will be highly visible throughout The Camrose during the sponsorship period, as well as providing exposure for the online trading brand.