The Gloucestershire Northern Senior Football League has attracted their first-ever title sponsor for next season, 102 years since their formation in 1922.
Steve Gooch Estate Agents has signed an agreement to assist managing operational changes within the league for 2024/25, and thereby raising the profile of the League across the county.
The GNSL AGM held this week, approved a new era of control under eight club delegates, which opens the door to the 32 club members having a majority in voting rights. Each of the elected delegates will specifically represent four clubs.
Meanwhile, seven officers appointed will oversee the competition in two divisions), but ultimately the eight club delegates will be the key to the future conduct of the League and be responsible for overall decision making.
In addition, for the first time in local football history, four female administrators will utilise their specialised skill sets to enhance the reputation of the League and bring a wider and new perspective to its operations.
President Colin Peake said: “Having consulted with the membership over the past 12 months, and hopefully assisting to explore a new pathway for clubs to meet their long term ambitions, this is now the right time to make changes.”
He added: “As part of this new era, it was wise to find a suitable and reputable local company to be the right partner to assist the financial implications these changes will cost. I’ve had a long personal association with Steve Gooch and now with the group of companies in the safe hands of his son Tom, I’m confident that in taking up this opportunity to join with us at such a pivotal time for the League, they will maximise the potential marketing benefits to be gained in their role of league title sponsor.”
Tom Gooch, on behalf of the SGEA Group, explained their reasoning behind wishing to be involved: “Our business model not only lends itself to the main areas of location of both club membership and our countywide offices, importantly we recognise the age group of most players and the genuine hard working people running each club in their respect communities, make up a large percentage of our target market. This unique partnership will reach out to assist those taking their first step on the road to home ownership, relocating, or finding suitable property rental.
We are a family run company who seek to offer best advice and valued guidance, to help, as does the GNSL, to make dreams in life come true, whether on the field of play or in the property market place.”
Both GNSL and SGEA will work closely together on a weekly basis, utilising the power of social media platforms currently existing across the League and its membership.
