Bournemouth Athletic FC will be kicking off next year wearing new shirts sponsored by the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCTC).

The Pelhams-based outfit are currently flying high in Division 3 of the MA Hart Bournemouth Football League. The new shirts are emblazoned with the Chamber’s logo and will help increase the profile of the business membership organisation. Matt Maclean from BCTC said:

“When we heard the first team was looking for a shirt sponsor, we felt it was a good fit. Bournemouth Athletic is the oldest non-league club in the area and the Chamber goes back more than a century. There is a lot of synergy between us."

“The team plays in the Bournemouth leagues where our logo will receive lots of exposure. We are experiencing exciting times with the Chamber as lots of new businesses come on board."

“It’s our goal to build the organisation to benefit all our members and the local economy – and we hope Bournemouth’s Athletic’s goals will help boost our presence in the town.”

The team’s manager John McKay said:

“We had been looking for a sponsor and were really pleased when the Chamber offered."

“Having a decent set of shirts with all the players looking professional does really help our performances on the pitch, and it assists in forging a tight team unit.”