Canada Life International has expanded its sponsorship of grassroots football in the Isle of Man by committing to a further three-year deal, which includes the women’s game.

The financial solutions provider, which employs over 200 people at its Business Park headquarters, has been a major sponsor of the men’s game since 2007. The new agreement will be in place until the end of the 2024 season and includes the following: men’s Premier League; women’s Premier League; women’s FA Cup; women’s Floodlit Cup; women’s island team and Player of the Month awards.

Canada Life’s Head of Talent and Organisation Development Vicki Hotchkiss, commented: ‘We’re delighted to have expanded the long-standing sponsorship agreement we have enjoyed with the IOMFA over the years, which is centred on our company commitment to bring diversity and inclusion into all that we do. This view is shared with the IOMFA, which was keen to find a sponsor for the women’s game with the expertise and desire to support their ambition to provide equality of opportunity for all.’

President of the Isle of Man FA, Tony Mepham, added: ‘We’re delighted that Canada Life International has further committed to Manx football, 14 years after signing its first agreement with us. One of our main goals over the coming years is to develop women and girl’s football and having a primary sponsor – one which shares our commitment to providing equal opportunities for all – is a huge benefit.’

Photo: (left to right) Simon Elson, Isle of Man FA Women & Girl’s Football Development Officer; Tony Mepham, President of the Isle of Man FA; Vicki Hotchkiss, Canada Life International Head of Talent and Organisation Development.