Sailmakers scores a try with Ipswich Rugby Club as it becomes its main sponsor

The new owner of Sailmakers shopping centre in Ipswich has agreed to sponsor a rugby club.

ALB, which purchased the mall this summer, has scored points with Ipswich Rugby Football Club by becoming the main donor to its youth and junior squads for the next two seasons.

The deal will see players under 16 rocking the new kit, complete with Sailmakers logo, for games until at least 2024.

It also means the shopping centre will fund expenses such as equipment, travel, referee fees, and the running of its clubhouse on Humber Doucy Lane.

Extending the sponsorship for a third year is also on the cards.

ALB hopes this extra exposure will entice more people to visit Sailmakers as part of wider plans to tackle the causes of struggling trade in the town centre.

The decision for the group to sponsor the club is the result of a few coincidences, the company said.

A marketing agency behind Sailmakers asked ALB to fund a sports club in Ipswich.

Tim Lloyd, of Prime Retail, already had close ties to the club, which led to ALB managing director, Nottingham-based rugby enthusiast Arran Baily, agreeing to the proposal.

Mr Bailey said: “I’m a huge rugby fan and used to play a lot in my younger days, so when Tim told me Ipswich Rugby Club were seeking a new main sponsor, I couldn’t think of a better fit.

“It’s a fantastic club, with a very long history, so we jumped at the chance to support the dozens of boys and girls in the youth and junior teams.

“I’m hoping this will also help support some of the town’s struggling high street retailers, and get more people to pop along to Sailmakers and see what we are doing to turn its fortunes around.”

Ipswich Rugby Club is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the UK, being founded in 1870.

It is primarily run by volunteers and hosts over 20 teams, with players ranging from five years old to their 90s.

Club chairman Mike Hancock said: “The club would not have survived for more than 150 years without our army of volunteers – and we would not thrive without the generous support of our marvellous sponsors.

“It’s great to see a new business come into Ipswich and immediately give back to the community. This will really help the club and a lot of young players.

"And if it also helps to get Sailmakers shopping mall and the town centre back to its vibrant best, what a fabulous outcome that would be.”

Sailmakers has been undergoing a makeover since ALB took over in June.

The company has been offering flexible contracts and lower costs to encourage more businesses to set up shop and fill empty units.