The University of Northampton broke a thirteen-year streak in a powerful show of community support last weekend by donating its long-held front-of-shirt sponsorship space to the Northampton Town Community Trust for a special Community Day fixture.
For the past thirteen years, the University’s name has appeared on the front of the shirts worn by Northampton Town Football Club (NTFC). However, for the match against Burton Albion F.C. last Saturday (14 March), the University chose to step aside for one game so that the Community Trust could be recognised during celebrations marking its 25th anniversary.
The gesture highlights the University’s continued commitment to supporting organisations that make a difference across Northamptonshire. By giving up its prominent shirt branding for the day, the University is helping shine a spotlight on the Community Trust’s work supporting thousands of people across the county through sport, education and community programmes.
Vice Chancellor, Anne-Marie Kilday said: “Here at the University of Northampton, we are proud to play an active role in supporting our local community and the organisations that make such a positive difference to people’s lives.
“Donating our front-of-shirt space for this special Community Day was a small gesture that recognises the incredible work of the Northampton Town Community Trust and the impact they have had across Northamptonshire over the past 25 years. Our partnership with Northampton Town continues to be about far more than sponsorship – it is about working together to strengthen opportunities, wellbeing and community pride across the county.”
Northampton Town Chief Executive James Whiting praised the University’s decision and the strength of the relationship between the organisations.
“Northampton Town is much more than a football club, we are a key part of the Northamptonshire community, just like the University of Northampton, and whatever happens on the pitch, we are looking forward to a day of celebration of that community involvement.
“We have always said our long standing work with the University of Northampton is not just a sponsorship, it is a partnership on so many levels and this fantastic gesture by the University, to donate their front of shirt space to the Community Trust, shows just how strong the togetherness and the bond is that links us together.
“The University of Northampton aren’t just the name on the front of the men’s first team shirts, the Northampton Town Women, our Football & Education Programme teams, our grassroots teams and our Emerging Talent Centre players also carry the University name on the front of their shirts, and the University of Northampton are also big supporters or many of our community projects. We really do have a deep, valued and meaningful partnership.”
Phill Smith, the CEO of the Northampton Town Community Trust added: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone at the University of Northampton for their kind gesture.
“This will be the first time since 2013 that any other name has been on the front of the men’s first team shirts and this wonderful gesture will help us mark a very special day in the best way possible.
“This is our 25th year and we continue to help thousands of people across Northamptonshire in so many different ways. We are looking forward to welcoming a number of our participants to the Burton Albion game and to using these very special match shirts to help raise funds to support our work, which is so wonderfully supported by the University of Northampton.”
To further support the Trust’s work, the unique match-worn shirts from the Community Day fixture have been auctioned after the game, with all proceeds going toward programmes that benefit people and communities across Northamptonshire.
The initiative underlines the University’s wider commitment to partnership and civic engagement, demonstrating how collaboration between education, sport and community organisations can deliver lasting impact across the region.