Entain, one of the world's largest gaming groups, are renowned for their investment into great causes. And one of those causes happens to be their partnership with Trident Leagues, which include the Northern Premier, Isthmian and Southern divisions. And, there’s good news on the horizon as this investment-based partnership is now set to continue for the foreseeable.
Entain, with the biggest brand under their impressive umbrella being PartyCasino, have been pumping money into the Trident Leagues via their charitable arm, the Entain Foundation. Under the Pitching In banner, which has been on hand to assist many excellent causes, the funding put forward goes directly into supporting all of the 248 clubs that are spread across the national league system’s steps three and four.
The Pitching In campaign started back in 2020, as the pandemic hit and clubs in the Trident Leagues saw their futures threatened. The investment made by Entain via the Entain Foundation provided much-needed funds, which were then used to not only ensure clubs and leagues could continue but that there was the ability to keep engaging with local communities during the difficult times of 2020 and beyond.
Speaking about the Pitching In campaign, Entain CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen said, “We are truly proud of what we have achieved with Pitching In and our partnership with the Trident Leagues, particularly in the positive impact it is having on grassroots sports and for social engagement.
“Through the Entain Foundation, we are committed to making a positive contribution to grassroots and community sport, which plays such a huge role in the lives of our customers.”
Entain have recruited Stuart Pearce, former England international footballer as a Pitching In ambassador, and he commented on the latest campaign news by saying, “This is fabulous news not only for the Pitching In Trident Leagues themselves but for football in general. It provides a vital injection of cash to help the leagues to thrive but perhaps even more importantly, it is helping to bring the clubs and their local communities together.
“The Trident Community Fund is just a brilliant initiative to allow clubs to really connect with their local people while the Volunteer Hub is a real game changer for promoting and volunteering at the community level.”
When the Trident Community Fund came into force, it was immediately agreed that an investment of £150k available per annum would allow clubs to work within local communities by organising projects and initiatives. The TCF’s funding agreement was renewed last August and has since been extended further.
The Volunteer Hub has also been introduced, which is an online portal designed to connect clubs, fans and volunteering opportunities together. Again, it’s an excellent initiative and crucial for further growth and development within local communities, as Entain originally intended.
Pitching In Trident League Chairs Anthony Hughes, Mark Harris, and Nick Robinson commented, "We couldn't be more pleased that Entain are extending their Pitching In partnership with us.
“This is truly unlike any other sponsorship we have been involved in. The entire focus of the programme is around how, together, we can help clubs to develop and deepen their engagement with local communities.
“The TCF and Volunteer Hub are fantastic examples of their commitment to non-league football and how it can make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
