Mazda has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s football and the next generation of footballers, extending its partnership with the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos for a further two years.
The club’s first ever father-daughter selection, Amy Smith and Shaun Smith, were joined by Jess Duffin and her seven-month-old daughter, Georgie, Britt Gibson and her two-year-old son, Henry, and Sophie Abbatangelo and her children Hendrix (seven) and Meika (six), in celebration of the next generation.
“It’s really exciting to see generations of footballers together and to think what is now possible in women’s sport and the pathways available for my daughter,” Duffin told North Media.
“Without partners like Mazda supporting us we simply wouldn’t have this opportunity, so we are extremely grateful for that.”
North CEO, Ben Amarfio, echoed Duffin’s sentiments.
“Mazda’s partnership spans over two decades, having signed on as our sole major sponsor in the premiership year of 1999, one of the longest running partnerships in Australian sport,” Amarfio said.
“Mazda was equally as excited as we were when we obtained an AFLW license and have been wonderful supporters over the journey.
“Seeing the commitment of our AFLW players is really inspiring and it’s exciting to think what more can be achieved in the future.
“We are truly appreciative for the thriving partnership we have established and the continued support of our good friends at Mazda.”
Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the announcement was a natural progression of a healthy partnership with the team.
“Mazda Australia is very proud of its long-standing association with the North Melbourne Football Club, and this sense of pride has deepened with our North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos partnership in the national AFLW football league,” Vinesh said.
“A strong part of our culture is to embrace diverse backgrounds and encourage new avenues of participation and inclusion, and these values are clearly shared with North as it continues to grow its AFLW presence.
“We look forward to continuing this association with the Kangaroos and enjoying the skills and spectacle the team will deliver on the big stage in 2021 and beyond.”
As sole major partner of the Kangaroos, Mazda’s logo will be printed on the front and back of the guernsey, along with exclusive experiences for North fans and Mazda customers.
