(1888PressRelease)
April 02, 2009 - They are calling them “Posh and Barks” – the two dogs making sporting history by becoming the first of their species to land their own football kit sponsorship deals.
Their real names are Rocky and Barney. Rocky is a Labrador cross Collie, aged five months. Barney is a Shetland Sheep dog, aged 12. Until now, both were just ordinary fans of their local amateur football teams.
Now, Craigslist (http://www.craigslist.co.uk ) the classified ads website, is blazing a new era in football sponsorship by sponsoring Rocky and Barney to stride the touchline sporting tailored dog-coats, cut from the same strip as worn by the teams they support.
“We’re thrilled to have struck such a groundbreaking deal”, says Jim Buckmaster, CEO of Craigslist, which is sponsoring the dogs for an undisclosed sum.
The aim, says Buckmaster, is to celebrate the unsung role that dogs play in park football: “Almost every park team has a team dog, whether official or unofficial. It’s time they got some recognition.”
Rocky, dapper in red and black stripes, is a supporter of Trevenson FC, of Pool in Cornwall. The fact that Trevenson’s kit resembles that of AC Milan, David Beckham’s new club, has prompted one Craigslist wag to dub Rocky “David Bark-ham”, or “Barks” for short.
That has led to Barney, a fan of Great Wakering Colts FC in Essex, becoming “Posh” – making the pair “Posh & Barks”. The two might support different teams in different towns but they now share a nickname and a place in sponsorship history.
Dogs have always been a fixture of Sunday football, whether as trusty fans barking support from the touchline or as un-registered super-subs, given to invading the pitch and foiling the last-minute winner.
“We don't normally sponsor things”, says Jim Buckmaster, “but this was a unique opportunity.”
Craigslist is NOT sponsoring the dogs, stresses Buckmaster, as a way to promote the fact that people use Craigslist for everything from selling an old dog kennel or crate to advertising a new puppy training course or dog-walking service; or, because others use it to recruit players for a new Sunday football team.
Rocky belongs to the family of Judy Gunn, youth secretary of Trevenson FC in Pool. Judy’s three children all play for the club, to which Rocky gives unswerving support. “He chases the ball when it goes out play”, says Judy, alert to signs of early promise.
Barney belongs to Ian and Jayne Harper, supporters of Great Wakering Colts FC in Essex. Jayne’s nephews, Jay and Kieran, play for the club, while Adam Harkness, her brother-in-law and colleague, manages one of its teams.
“Barney is fascinated with the football”, says Jayne. “He likes biting it.”
The nickname “Posh” suits Barney, says Jayne. “He doesn’t think he’s a dog, he thinks he’s a human being.”
ABOUT CRAIGSLIST: Craigslist.org is an online notice-board and largely free classified ads site, with local sites in over 550 locations, including London (http://www.craigslist.co.uk ) and 26 other UK cities or areas.
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