Newfoundland Partners With UK Soccer Team to Attract New Immigrants from England
Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking to attract immigrants from England by collaborating with a UK soccer team to showcase ads for the province on the team’s jerseys.
“This collaboration enhances Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing presence in the United Kingdom, a prime source for newcomer recruitment, and globally,” stated the government release.
The partnership will require an investment of $171,000 from the province, covering jersey branding as well as digital and physical advertising in the UK.
As part of this deal, the province’s name and branding will be featured on the front of Barrow AFC’s home and away jerseys.
The team, while wearing these new jerseys, will participate in 46 regular season matches and cup games throughout England, as mentioned in the government release.
Team members were present in the province towards the end of June to unveil the new jerseys.
Barrow AFC captain Niall Canavan, goalkeeper Paul Farman, and strength and conditioning coach Chace Homer provided assistance at a St. John’s youth soccer training camp on June 22 under the agreement.
Newfoundland and Labrador will also be highlighted in the EA Sports’ FC 25 video game series.
“This exciting collaboration between professional football club Barrow AFC and Newfoundland and Labrador allows the province to partake in the global game and gain worldwide exposure,” expressed Mr. Byrne in the release. “The extensive global viewership that professional English football enjoys will help showcase Newfoundland and Labrador as a welcoming destination for living and working on a remarkable scale.”
Founded in 1901, Barrow AFC is currently in its fifth consecutive season in the English Football League, with about four million views per month on X, as per the government statement.
The PC Party of Newfoundland criticized the agreement, deeming it a misallocation of funds.