Cricket star catch for sports firm (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Cricket star catch for sports firm

2:00pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Richard Garfield

DUMMER sports equipment and clothing company Serious Cricket have signed a two-year sponsorship deal with England women’s cricket captain Charlotte Edwards.

The deal is being billed as another step towards the professional status of women’s cricket, with Charlotte being one of the first women’s players to agree a personal financial sponsorship deal.

The deal will help the England skipper with her training and travel costs, along with a sponsored car and clothing from the Serious Sport range.

Serious Cricket managing director Neil Rider said: “We are a company that really believes in offering the best to cricketers, whether they’re at the grassroots level or at the top of their game like Charlotte.

“I’m delighted that Serious Cricket will be supporting Charlotte, not only as one of the top cricketers internationally, but also a fantastic role model for young girls.”

Charlotte has a long history with the company based at The Dummer Cricket Centre, as she previously managed the Serious Sport clothing range, which includes clothing for cricket, golf, football and a range of sports teamwear.

She can frequently be found working hard at her game in the net facilities at Serious Cricket’s cricket training centre.

Pleased with the ground-breaking deal, Charlotte said: “I’m delighted to be working with Serious Cricket as a brand ambassador.

“The support for women’s cricket has increased greatly during my career, and to now be agreeing a two-year personal sponsorship deal is a huge step.

“For me, it’s fitting that it’s with Serious Cricket, a company that I have seen build up from scratch and that I really believe in.”

Charlotte is set to fly to New Zealand on Sunday for five international Twenty20s – three of which will be broadcast live on SkySports – and three One Day Internationals.