Cambridge United are delighted to announce a major new sponsorship deal with local firm Marshall Ford.

The company will become the sponsors of the Club's "Smile" scheme for the 2010/11 season in a deal which will see them establish a visual presence at the ground and work with the Club to promote the scheme in the community.

Departing Business Development Manager Gary Atyes told cambridgeunited.com, "It's a partnership which will enable us to work with Marshalls to further develop and enhance the Smile Scheme, which is all about identifying and rewarding deserving individuals and organisations within our local community.

"This is the first time we have had a recent partnership with a Marshall Motor Group franchise that, like ourselves, are a major local brand. Of all the deals which have been done since I joined the Club, this is the one I am most proud of.

"The fact it's a partnership based on giving worthy causes the opportunity to attend a match at the R Costings Abbey Stadium shows the growing confidence amongst the City's business community that a partnership with Cambridge United is now a great way to market their brand locally whilst in this case giving something back to the community at the same time."

The Smile Scheme has been run for the last two years by Martin Jordan with support from the Club Chaplain Rev Stuart Wood and CFU. Martin will continue to work proactively with local charities and individuals to grow the scheme in partnership with Marshall Ford and the Club.

General Manager Dominic Meacham from Marshall Ford commented on the deal, "We are proud to be the new sponsors of the Smile Scheme, and hope to develop a long lasting partnership with Cambridge United.

"It is the community involvement of the club that interested Marshall Ford, and we look forward to helping the club progress with the scheme.

"We hope that our customers as well as the Cambridge United fans can support the scheme, and the community can fully benefit and ensure the success of Smile.

Christopher Walkenshaw, Business Development Director of Marshall added, "We are delighted to be partnering with Cambridge United on the Smile Scheme. This is a great way for families and individuals to attend Cambridge United matches who might not otherwise be able to do so. As a local business with local customers and employees, we hope our support will help local people experience their local football team in action."

Christopher went on, "The links between Marshall and Cambridge go back over many years and in many forms; indeed the Cambridge United ground is partially on the site of the original Marshall aerodrome in the city. We are delighted to be continuing that relationship through this support."

For more details on Marshall Ford click HERE

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