Member Article

Sunderland AFC cements Tanzania partnership

Sunderland AFC (SAFC) has officially strengthened its links with the African continent, after cementing its partnership with the country of Tanzania at an official signing ceremony.

SAFC’s commercial director Gary Hutchinson visited the World Travel Market in London to meet with Lazaro S. Nyalandu, MP, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, to officially declare the strong partnership with Tanzania, which ensures SAFC’s commitment to promote tourism in the country.

Tourism is a key factor in the upward growth of the Tanzanian economy and the partnership uses the global reach of the Barclays Premier League to promote the country as a premier tourist destination.

Premier League football is watched in over 200 countries, with accumulative audience of a phenomenal 4.2 billion, making it the most watched sporting league in the world.

SAFC has already developed close links with Tanzania, through providing technical and practical support to the development of a football academy project, the first of its kind in the country.

The project will see thousands of youngsters benefit from a joined up approach combing football, education and community engagement, harnessing the knowledge and expertise of Sunderland AFC and its own successful academy.

Sunderland AFC commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “We are delighted to officially cement our exciting partnership with Tanzania and further strengthening our links with the country.

“Tanzania is a beautiful country and we are excited about the future of our partnership and are delighted to continue working with the country to promote tourism and supporting the development of its football infrastructure.”

Lazaro S. Nyalandu, MP, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, said: “Tanzania Tourist Board is proud to be associated with Sunderland AFC. We believe that the partnership enhances the Board’s efforts in promoting Tanzania to the world and will also help to attract investments and develop sports tourism in Tanzania”.

Sunderland AFC has established itself as one of the most recognised and respected Barclays Premier League clubs across Africa, through its many partnerships, football club relationships and grass-root activities.