Carlisle‑based Flag American football team Border City Centurions have signed a landmark five‑year sponsorship deal with Bendles Solicitors.
It secures the firm’s presence on all official game jerseys until 2031.
The long-term deal will support the team as it kicks off the new season following its promotion to the National Flag Football League (NFFL) Premiership, the highest level of competition in the UK.
Nick Weston, head coach at Border City Centurions, said: “This sponsorship agreement comes at a fantastic moment for the club following our promotion to the NFFL Premiership.
“We’re proud to be partnering with a fantastic local legal firm with a strong track record of supporting local sports teams and community initiatives.
“Their backing gives us stability and momentum as we continue to grow and compete at the highest level.”
Hannah Smith, partner at Bendles Solicitors, said: “Border City Centurions are a fantastic organisation which provides opportunities for people across Cumbria and the south of Scotland to get involved with a fast-growing sport.
“As a long-established Cumbrian firm, we believe it’s vital to support initiatives that encourage teamwork, community spirit and participation at grassroots level.
“With flag football set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, this is an exciting time for the sport and we’re proud to be backing a local club which is making such a positive impact.”
Now an officially confirmed sport of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games, where GB hope to have both a men’s and women’s team participating, Flag football is one of the fast growing sports in the world, already boasting over two million players.
Flag is a fast‑paced, non‑contact version of American football where players advance the ball to score by reaching the opposition’s end zone. Instead of tackling, play is stopped by removing a fabric flag worn at the waist.
Founded in 2022, the Border City Centurions are affiliated with the British American Football Association and currently operates two squads competing in the NFFL Premiership and Division 1. The club also has a thriving youth section, with a focus on developing skills, confidence and teamwork among young players.
Border City Centurions have grown rapidly and now have around 100 members, volunteers and players from across Cumbria and the south of Scotland.
Club chairman Ed Johnson said: “We’re looking forward to the new season and building on the progress we’ve made over the past few years.
“It’s wonderful to see the club going from strength to strength and support like this helps ensure a really positive future.”
The new shirts, designed by American football sportswear supplier EP Sports, also recognise the club’s support for the Lorraine Hough Tribute Fund, which raises funds for Diabetes UK.
The team has also received backing this season from Kingmoor Park which is sponsoring new custom flags that will be used in league matches throughout the season.
