FC Isle of Man has announced a sponsorship agreement with Manx Telecom for the next three years.

The local telecommunications company will become the football club’s primary sponsor heading into the 2020-21 season.

In a statement, FCIoM commented: ’The Manx Telecom group and FC Isle of Man share many values, none more so than our commitments to benefit the Manx community and showcase the best that the island has to offer. Everyone at FC Isle of Man is thrilled to be affiliated with one of the island’s most reputable companies, and this agreement provides the club with a solid foundation to grow and develop.’

Initially, branding will appear on the club’s home kit, while Manx Telecom’s IT infrastructure and managed services subsidiary Synapse 360 will appear on the away shirts.

FC Isle of Man’s commercial director Ty Smith said: ’For an internationally-recognised telecoms company to share the vision and give its support to the club as our inaugural sponsor is a huge testament to all involved.

’For that company to be the Isle of Man’s national telecoms provider, and such a significant component of the business sector in the island, makes it all the more special.

’As part of this agreement, Manx Telecom and FCIoM will be collaborating in ways and on exciting projects which, up to this point, have been unimaginable in Manx sport.

’We believe that by finding the right partners, removing conceptual barriers then collaborating to find solutions - this truly captures the spirit of what it is to be part of, and represent, the Manx community.

’We look forward to the many years of success that lie ahead and believe that this partnership will see Manx Telecom become inextricably linked with FC Isle of Man hereon in.’

Gary Lamb, chief executive officer of Manx Telecom, commented: ’Manx Telecom has always been proud to support the community we live and work in, and FC Isle of Man is a fantastic example of a community-owned and run organisation.

’The club has done an outstanding job in obtaining affiliation to the Isle of Man Football Association and has ambitious plans to realise its dream of having an island team playing in the English National League.

’Manx sportsmen and women are always very competitive and we hope our support will help FC Isle of Man to nurture local talent, enabling more players, officials and volunteers to reach their full potential without having to leave home.

’We’re also looking forward to helping the club raise its profile both on and off the island, and to working with FCIoM to attract more sports visitors to the island, and I’m sure the club will quickly become a focus of national pride and celebration.’

l Official club supporters currently have an opportunity to vote on the design of the inaugural home shirt. This vote will run until midnight on Sunday, July 26, after which the first ever FC Isle of Man kit will be announced.

All Sporting Club IoM members who have joined the FC Isle of Man Supporters Club during this time will also be eligible to vote.