ITV Scores T-Mobile For Soccer Aid Sponsorship

ITV has secured mobile phone operator T-Mobile as the exclusive sponsor of Soccer Aid on ITV1 and ITV2, giving the phone network wide-ranging branding for the sporting event this summer.

Soccer Aid sees a number of World Cup legends and top celebrities teaming up to go head-to-head in an “England versus The Rest of The World” tournament, in aid of charity UNICEF.

Former England manager Terry Venables will take charge of the home nation, assisted by superstar captain, Robbie Williams. Ruud Gullit will lead the Rest of The World side, alongside his captain, Gordon Ramsay. The programme will be presented by TV favourites Ant and Dec.

T-Mobile’s sponsorship gives the company broadcast coverage across daily programmes on both ITV channels, as well as online and through red button interaction. Mobile phone interactivity will also feature, as will off-air marketing.

Welcoming the deal, Phil Chapman, T-Mobile UK’s director of marketing, said: “T-Mobile is proud to be associated with such a fantastic event, where celebrity and sport come together in the name of a great cause. In the run up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, for which T-Mobile is an official partner, Soccer Aid will be superb showcase for the talents of the world-class stars of showbiz and football.

“It will also be a insight into the abilities of some football mad celebrities, including Robbie Williams with whom T-Mobile has forged an exclusive 18-month partnership.”

Kevin Giles, senior sponsorship and branded content executive at ITV Sales, added: “Thanks to T-Mobile’s support we can provide viewers with many more opportunities to interact with the programming from red button and online to mobile interactivity.”

The big match of the series will be played on 27 May at Old Trafford, in front of an all-time record attendance of 76,000 football fans.

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com