Dunlop Slazenger International has signed a new five-year agreement with the World Squash Federation to be the ‘Official Ball’ of the WSF. This agreement sees the continuation of the partnership between Dunlop and the WSF that has existed since 1991.
The historic partnership ensures Dunlop squash balls will be the ‘Official Ball of the WSF’ and that of its Regional Federations. This ball will be exclusively used in over 40 world championships, regional championships and major games.
In addition to providing squash balls for use both in championships and development, the agreement also provides a platform for a strategic partnership in the areas of development and technology. Both organisations have agreed to exchange knowledge and establish initiatives to facilitate the growth of the sport.
Commenting on the agreement, Toby Marcham, Indoor Sports Group Marketing Manager for Dunlop Slazenger International, said: “This highly-valued partnership delivers a key endorsement for Dunlop and forms part of an extensive marketing programme targeted at maintaining Dunlop’s status as the world’s number one squash brand.
“The company is committed to working with partners focused on growing the sport of squash and clearly there are none more appropriate than the WSF and its Regional Federations. Reviewing the growth of WSF-endorsed events in recent years, as well as future plans, certainly creates a very positive picture and Dunlop looks forward to being an active part of these exciting times.”
WSF chief executive Christian Leighton commented: “WSF is delighted to extend its partnership with Dunlop as the ‘Official Ball of the WSF’. We believe the strategic nature of the agreement will deliver increased value to both parties and we look forward to collaborating in the critical areas of development and technology.
“The WSF has grown dramatically since the first sponsorship agreement in 1991. In that year, squash was included in only two major games. We are now on the programme of every major multi-sport event except the Olympic Games, ie more than 20 events. Dunlop has played a key role in this growth and will continue to do so.”