Holland’s Pies signs sponsorship deal with Lancashire FA

Holland’s, the home of proper pies and puds, has linked up with the home of the county’s governing body for football as part of its commitment to grassroots sport.

The partnership kicks off with Holland’s Pies’ sponsorship of the long-established Lancashire FA Amateur Shield, a competition that began in 1906 for the county’s middle-tier non-professional teams. Holland’s has signed a one-season deal with an option to extend it at the end of the term.

It’s a natural affiliation for two organisations rich in Lancastrian heritage, with Lancashire FA’s formation 131 years ago following Holland’s by less than 20 years.

For Holland’s, the deal builds on the company’s links with Lancashire football as suppliers to Burnley FC, Blackburn Rovers FC, Preston North End FC and Blackpool FC.

Lancashire FA chief executive David Burgess said the sponsorship was agreed after the association struck an excellent agreement on half-time pies sold at the County Ground.

Mr Burgess says: “Holland’s Pies is investing in grassroots football, and you can’t go through a better body than the Lancashire FA. We govern teams at every level of the football family, from Manchester United to the Red Lion – we have the full spectrum of football clubs.

“For us to join forces with Holland’s Pies is really good news for Lancashire FA. We’re always looking to develop what we can do for the sport and the community, and the support of organisations like Holland’s Pies gives us the opportunity to continue generating investment in grassroots football in Lancashire.

“We are a not-for-profit organisation, owned by the members, so any surplus funds are distributed back to our work in grassroots football, supporting the development of the sport for all age groups, from six-year-olds to veterans, disabled and non-disabled, male and female.”

Neil Court-Johnston, MD of Holland’s, says: “Holland’s are very keen to help develop grass roots football throughout Lancashire and this fantastic partnership allows us to do that in a direct and exciting way.

“Holland’s and Lancashire FA make the perfect team – both have a long association with the region and have been at the heart of Lancastrian communities since the 19th century. We’re very proud to be playing our part.”

A happy by-product of Mr Burgess’s meetings with Holland’s was an insight into how the pies are made and the nutritional values of the traditional recipes.

Mr Burgess says: “Everyone thinks pies are not for sportsmen. However, experts from Holland’s Pies have educated me about the lower salt and fat content of their Best Ever Pies & Puds range, educating me on all about how the recipes can fit into a healthy lifestyle – you can be a sportsman and still eat Holland’s Pies!”

Lancashire FA is one of the biggest football associations in the country, with more than 1,300 clubs, incorporating over 4,000 teams and has over 1,400 referees registered with the association.

Picture caption (l-r):  Holland’s Pies’ Gary Brooks and Neil Court-Johnston, and Lancashire FA chief executive David Burgess with the shield.