The North-East’s only Allianz Premier 15s rugby team, DMP Sharks, has secured a sponsorship contract with local marketing agency Peachy Digital.
With a self-confessed ‘women’s rugby geek’ amongst its staff, Peachy Digital will assist the Sharks with external communications including public relations and social media.
Lizzie Turner, managing director of Peachy Digital said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our support to DMP Sharks. We’re big rugby fans, and recognise the unique challenges faced by women in the game – particularly here in the North East.”
DMP Sharks’ future in the Allianz Premier 15s league was in jeopardy weeks before the start of the 22/23 season, when the players and administration were forced to turn to crowdfunding as the only option to raise sufficient funds to satisfy the entry conditions. A substantial financial commitment has since been secured from Vodafone, who are now principal sponsors of the girls’ and women’s section at Darlington Mowden Park.
Yet, despite this sponsorship deal from Vodafone, DMP Sharks have been unable to tender for inclusion in the 23/24 Premier 15s league, as the vast increase in the level of investment required to compete was deemed unsustainable, particularly for a community rugby club.
Tom Bulmer, marketing and sponsorship manager at Darlington Mowden Park said: “We’re delighted to have Peachy Digital on board this season and we’re hugely grateful for their support. Their knowledge and expertise will help us raise the profile of the Sharks, and women’s rugby in the North East both regionally and nationally, and we look forward to welcoming them to the wider Sharks team.”
DMP Sharks Performance Manager, Mark Luffman added: “We’ve received some incredible support from the local business community over the last six months and it’s a pleasure to welcome Peachy to the club. They have already made a positive impact and we look forward to working with them going forward.”
DMP Sharks is based at Darlington Mowden Park and recently strengthened the squad with six international signings. Peachy Digital is an award-winning agency working with businesses across the UK to provide social media, PR and content marketing services, and celebrated its third birthday this January.
