Northamptonshire will tour Singapore in March as the next stage of the club’s growing Global Partnership Strategy.
The pre-season tour forms the centrepiece of a ground-breaking new partnership with the prestigious Singapore Cricket Club & the Singapore Cricket Association.
“We’re really excited as a club to have forged this relationship with such an iconic and historic club, set in the centre of the city’s colonial heart.” Sponsorships and Partnership Manager Steven Crook said.
“We’re heading into uncharted waters really, I’m not sure a county club has ever secured a partnership with an overseas club in the manner we have forged together for the next few years. It’s going to be so so valuable for both parties. It’s an opportunity for us to grow the Northamptonshire and Steelbacks brand abroad whilst we assist the Singapore Cricket Community with coach education and community outreach”
Initially a 3-year partnership with the intent for it to extend beyond that, the agreement covers a range of initiatives both on and off the pitch.
Singapore Cricket Club will host the playing group during the tour which runs from the 9th to the 20th of March, as well as taking part in invitational games against the squad with an exhibition match scheduled for the 14th.Players and coaches from both clubs will also undertake a number of community engagement and coach education initiatives.
“We are delighted to partner with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and thank them for their trust in this key initiative for Cricket across Singapore.” Singapore Cricket Club’s Director of Cricket Scott McKechnie said.
“Building professional partnerships with those operating at the elite level is essential for the onward progression and development of the game in Singapore. The Singapore Cricket Club will endeavour to support NCCC to the absolute best of our ability, in their pursuit of County successes onward from 2020 and look forward to building a relationship that will span the seasons.”
Steven Crook also believes the tour may hold commercial benefits for the club and county as a whole.
“Singapore is such a global business hub that for us to be able to strike up connections there is really promising. I’m sure it’s not just the playing group that will take a lot away from the trip and the partnership moving forward.” Crook said.
“We’ve been working on this with Scott for probably the last 6 months at least so it’s great to finally be on the ground here and to get to speak face to face. It’s all come together really nicely and we’re both keen to see what the future holds.” Crook said.
Supporters packagers for the tour are available through Viceroy Travel. Contact Julie or Harry at Viceroy Travel on 0208 776 3038 for more information.