New Basketball Team Races Ahead With Vertu Kia Nottingham Partnership
Motor retailer Vertu Kia Nottingham is backing the newly formed Nottingham Hoods basketball team with a fleet of Kia Sportage vehicles, as part of a two-year partnership designed to support the clubs launch and growth.
The agreement has seen four branded vehicles handed over in time for the start of the new basketball season. The cars will be used by coaching staff and players for travel and promotional and community engagement activities as the team establishes its presence in the city.
The Nottingham Hoods have been set up to bring elite-level basketball back to Nottingham, with a focus on developing local talent and building a strong fan base. Led by Managing Director Russell Levenston - who has had a long career of directorships at basketball clubs and associations - the club is aiming to become a key part of the citys sporting landscape.
Russell Levenston, Managing Director of Nottingham Hoods, said: Getting the backing of respected businesses like Vertu Kia Nottingham is vital for us. Its key that we build a network of support that helps us grow sustainably and connect with the wider community. Partnerships like this will be central to our success both on and off the court.
Vertu Kia Nottinghams support for the Hoods builds on its existing involvement of its parent company, Vertu Motors plc, in British basketball, which includes partnerships with the Leicester Riders and Newcastle Eagles.
Chris Taylor, Group Operations Director at Vertu commented: The Hoods have for a long time been a club with deep community roots and a reputation for basketball excellence. This is an exciting project for us to be involved with and see grow in the years ahead, especially with the hotbed of basketball talent in the area.
Geoff Wicks, General Manager at Vertu Kia Nottingham said: We believe in the power of sport to bring communities together, and basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. Supporting the Nottingham Hoods from the outset is a way for us to invest in local ambition and help create opportunities for young people in the region.
We have seen how our partnerships with other basketball clubs across the UK has helped promote grassroots participation in the sport, and to provide opportunities to disadvantaged youngsters and were looking forward to seeing that success replicated here in Nottingham.