The Kent Kings have secured a unique sponsorship/partnership arrangement with the Kent Youth League, who will sponsor Heat 9 this season.

Kings Commercial Manager Neil “Nikko” Day explained “as part our promotional strategy it is very important to us at the Kings that we work closely with other local organisations in involving younger people in sport. Through our official photographer Tony Fowles I was introduced to the Kent Youth Football League Organisation who run 170 football teams across 17 Divisions for the Under 13s up to the Under 18s.”

Day continued “We quickly came to an agreement whereby the League will sponsor Heat 9 and the Kings will advertise the League to its speedway fans. In this day and age young people seem to spend more time at home in front of game consoles then in participating in sport and so we are pleased to advertise that there is this fantastic football league in Kent where young people can participate in organised football.”

“We will be inviting some of the young footballers to meetings to show them how our young riders cope with their sport. Obviously the opportunities to play football are a lot more accessible than to ride speedway but you never know there may be a future King in one of the Youth League sides”.

Ken Brooke, Assistant Chief Executive of the Kent Youth League added “When we were first contacted by Nikko about this sponsorship deal, the Number 9 shirt has always been synonymous with the great strikers from the world of football. It made perfect sense for the League to sponsor this heat. We are very excited to be part of what the Kent Kings are looking to do, and it will give our players and their families a great evening out watching the Speedway through the Summer months.

Brooke continued “The Kings will be giving opportunities to young riders to show what they can do and showcase their talents to hopefully progress to the Elite League, which is a mirror image of what our players do that play in the League, many of whom are picked up by professional clubs. We feel that this is a partnership that can work and give our younger players an opportunity to get involved in the world of speedway. Exciting times ahead.”