Bonded by GOLD: Port of Newcastle joins Newcastle Jets as major partner for the next three years as Jets return to iconic gold playing kit
Newcastle Jets Football Club have welcomed Port of Newcastle as their major partner for the next three upcoming seasons.
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Newcastle Jets Football Club have welcomed Port of Newcastle as their major partner for the next three upcoming seasons.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said Port of Newcastle’s staff are thrilled to be bonded by gold with the local team this season as the Jets return to their iconic roots.
“We could think of no better time for Port of Newcastle to lend its support to another Newcastle icon –the Newcastle Jets. We see this partnership for the three years ahead as an opportunity for Port of Newcastle to give a really great gift to the community of something positive and enjoyable for local families and football fans alike – as well as to our dedicated staff who have worked to keep the Port safe and operating through the challenges of the last year,” said Mr Carmody.
“This partnership bonds together two like-minded organisations. The Port has been here for 222 years and we have a strong workforce of Jets supporters among our own Port of Newcastle team. Many don’t know that Port of Newcastle has a long history of loving and supporting football, with some of the first wharfies to work at the Port through the 1900s belonging to social football teams and kicking the ball around the Port after a hard day’s work.”
It’s an exciting time for Port of Newcastle to partner with the Jets, honouring the history of both organisations throughout the region’s evolution.
“From the first ship movement through Port of Newcastle more than 220 years ago to the birth of Newcastle Jets in 2000, our organisations have enjoyed a long and proud history in the region. Through this partnership we hope to honour our shared history and give back to generations across our community who have proudly supported and enjoyed the Jets and Port of Newcastle since their beginning,” said Mr Carmody.
To mark the new partnership, Port of Newcastle and the Jets recruited the Port’s biggest football fans to feature alongside fan favourite players Archie Goodwin and Justin Hoffman in a partnership reveal video fans can watch here and on Jets and Port of Newcastle Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.
Among the stars were the Port’s football mad George Safouris and his nephew Frankie, with George saying hearing of the partnership marks the most exciting day he’s had at the Port.
“Football is in my blood, it is a shared experience of triumphs and disappointments that bonds people together through a love of the game. I will be so proud to cheer the Jets on this season knowing they are backed by my workplace, Port of Newcastle,” George said.
For the first time since 2009, Newcastle Jets will return to their roots for their home kit with Port of Newcastle featuring as the major partner on a new gold jersey for the A-League team, a step change for the team which has played primarily in blue and red for over a decade.
“Our return to gold marks the perfect time for the Club to unite with another local icon, Port of Newcastle, our city’s golden port. The players love the new kit and the Jets are extremely excited to be partnering with the Port of Newcastle,” said Shane Mattiske, the Club’s Executive Chairman.
“The Port is a huge supporter of jobs among our fan base, the Hunter region’s economy and, just like the Jets, are an iconic part of our community. This partnership marks two local icons coming together to give a real boost to the Jets ahead of what we hope will be a stellar season. Bonded by gold, our partnership with the Port will help us drive the success of football within this region and give fans something really positive to look forward to after a really challenging time for all,” Shane added.
The players say they love the new gold kit and hope the iconic partnership will support a stellar season ahead for the Club.
“For the club to be branded back in Gold is absolutely fantastic. I have special memories of playing for the Jets in Gold, so for me it’s a real link back to our heritage. It represents success,” said Jets Defender Jason Hoffman.
“To have a new partner in the Port of Newcastle is a massive nod to the team and the direction the Club is going in. It’s symbolic of the region, and hopefully we can build a successful partnership on and off the field.”
The Gold Port of Newcastle Jets home kit will be arriving for fans in mid-October but can be purchased now through the Club’s website.
“I’ve been a Jets fan since the day the club was born and remember fondly their glory seasons playing in gold. I’m ecstatic that the Club is returning to the iconic gold jersey and it’s even more special that the Port’s logo is on the front of it. I reckon I’ll be among the first to order the new jersey and be wearing it at the Port and around Newcastle,” George added.
Port of Newcastle
Port of Newcastle Port of Newcastle is Australia’s deepwater global gateway, the largest on the nation’s East Coast. Port of Newcastle is more than a port. It exists to build Australia’s prosperity with responsible, integrated and innovative supply chain solutions. With trade worth about $26-billion to the national economy each year, Port of Newcastle enables Australian businesses to successfully compete in international markets. The Port currently handles 4,400 ship movements and 164 million tonnes of cargo annually, including dry bulk, bulk liquids, ro-ro, general and project cargoes and containers. With a deepwater shipping channel operating at 50% of its capacity, significant port land available and enviable access to national rail and road infrastructure, Port of Newcastle is positioned to further underpin the future prosperity of the Hunter, NSW and Australia. As custodians of the region’s critical asset, Port of Newcastle is diversifying its trade as it strives to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible future.