AFC Fylde is celebrating after securing a new two year sponsorship deal with global defence company, BAE Systems.

The agreement paves the way for AFC Fylde’s Community Foundation to continue and expand its wide range of community engagement programmes in the local area which have already helped to cut anti-social behavior by 10 percent and increase participation in sport.

Having worked in partnership with AFC Fylde’s Community Foundation for the last two years, BAE Systems announced a further two-year extension to the sponsorship deal, which means flagship programmes can continue to flourish.

These include the delivery of curriculum based physical education lessons at 42 local schools and extensive after school multisport clubs.  In addition, The Foundation is now looking to expand its community sports activities which are delivered in local parks. These are targeted at anti-social hotspots (ASB) and at hard-to-reach residents to encourage participation.  Since its launch, the initiative had cut ASB levels by 10 percent. It will also increase the number of sports sessions it runs at nearby Weeton army barracks.

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Hutton, Director of Community Development at AFC Fylde, said: “I would like to thank BAE Systems for its continued support throughout the past two years, and the Foundation looks forward to developing flagship development programmes benefitting many Fylde coast residents. The Foundation is pleased to be working in partnership with such an established international organisation and through the formation of this partnership.”

BAE Systems’ Head of Communications, Paul Earnshaw said: “BAE Systems is delighted to continue as AFC Fylde’s Community Partner. Since our partnership with the Club began two years ago, the positive impact they are having in the local community has gone from strength to strength. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop new offerings and further their position as the Fylde’s community club.”