County cricket champions Yorkshire have signed a new three-year
sponsorship deal with Leeds & Holbeck Building Society to re-launch
and develop its junior section which has been renamed the Junior Vikings. The Junior Vikings, previously called the Junior Tykes, have a new logo
and identity together with a new President in Yorkshire and England pace
bowler, Ryan Sidebottom. He is keen to help encourage more children to visit
Headingley and become involved in cricket. The Junior Vikings currently has nearly 1000 members and it is expected that
the re-launch and improved membership incentives will encourage significantly
more youngsters up to the age of 14 to join. In addition to sponsoring the Junior Vikings, Leeds & Holbeck has also
launched two new savings accounts - the Junior Vikings account for under 18s and
the White Rose account for adult Yorkshire members and supporters. Each year the
Society will donate one per cent of total balances in the White Rose account to
the club to help fund its cricket academy and develop new talent. Yorkshire CCC's Commercial Director Tony Panaro believes the association with
the Leeds & Holbeck is another connection which strengthens two of Yorkshire's
major companies. Leeds & Holbeck's General Manager, Kim Rebecchi, said: " We are delighted to have
this opportunity to link up with Yorkshire CCC to encourage more youngsters to
participate in the sport. Both organisations are seeking to attract more young
members and this sponsorship is in our mutual interest." For more information on membership of the Junior Vikings please contact co-ordinator
Suzanne Bore in the Marketing Department on 0113 2787394. For photocall pictures please contact Simon Wilkinson on 01943 436649 Ends 10/12/01
