New deal targets digital future

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League have appointed Final Third Sports Media as their first digital marketing agency.

The partnership will see the award winning Northampton-based business become responsible for taking the lead in shaping the League's digital marketing strategy to help leverage additional revenues for the Evo-Stik NPL's 66 member clubs.

Final Third Sports Media specialise in providing content and management support for websites, apps and publications in the sport and leisure industry. Founded in 2005, they already work with national governing bodies, organisations, sponsors, stadiums, professional clubs and individual elite sports stars.

Mark Harris, Chairman of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, said the deal demonstrates the League's ongoing commitment to exploiting the online digital marketplace for clubs and determination to be among the most forward thinking leagues in the country.

Explaining the reasons behind the drive to digital, he said: "Half a million unique users visited the league’s website in 2012 – 10 times more than those who attended our games. The Evo-Stik NPL reaches a very substantial audience and it is through our digital marketing activity that we hope to generate vital new income for our member clubs.

He added: "This is a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. We are excited by the opportunity that will come from Chris Rivett and his team's involvement.”

Managing Director of Final Third Sports Media, Chris Rivett, already knows the Evo-Stik NPL and its strengths online as Chairman of First Division South Stamford AFC.

He said: "We are looking forward to working with the Northern Premier League and playing an important role in the future of the competition. We hope our contacts and expertise will allow the League and its member clubs to confidently tackle the challenges that lie ahead in the digital space."