Friends Life is to become lead sponsor of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) Benevolent Fund, marking a further connection between the new model provider and the sport.
Following a four year existing relationship with the PCA, Friends Life will this year strengthen its commitment to the well-being of past, present and future cricketers by offering both an array of support services and a financial donation to the PCA benevolent fund.
Friends Life has long been associated with cricket becoming the title sponsor of the t20 domestic cricket competition in 2010 after a 3 year period as title sponsors of the 50-over domestic competition, the Friends Provident Trophy. The newly titled Friends Life t20 begins on 1 June 2011 at the Rose Bowl, with a rematch between last year’s finalists, Hampshire and Somerset.
As part of Friends Life’s commitment to the PCA Benevolent Fund, the company has agreed to donate £100 to the charity for every ‘six’ that is hit during the Sky Sports televised games throughout the competition.
Trevor Matthews, Chief Executive Officer Friends Life, said:
“At Friends Life we are passionate about looking after our five million customers. In today’s challenging economic environment savers in the UK have to navigate much financial uncertainty and cricketers are no exception. Through our association with the PCA Benevolent Fund we can help alleviate some of that financial worry and provide a guiding hand through our financial education services. Both the shortened career span and hectic lifestyle of professional cricketers can often mean long-term financial planning falls by the way-side but we hope to address this through our new relationship.”
To celebrate the launch of the new PCA and Friends Life relationship and in particular the new ‘six and counting’ initiative top cricketer Dominic Cork, captain of last year’s winning Hampshire side will be appearing at the Kia Oval. Dominic will face a nets challenge from guests attending. Joining them will be Trevor Matthews, CEO Friends Life and Jason Ratcliffe, Assistant CEO of the PCA.
Commenting on its new sponsor, Angus Porter, Chairman of the PCA, added:
“The PCA Benevolent Fund aims to help cricketers of all generations who need our help, for whatever reason. We are absolutely delighted that Friends Life, a true and valued supporter of English cricket, has agreed to give their generous support to this most worthwhile cause.”
Source : Friends Life
