Swansea City Boosts Ties with Central Florida, Aiming for Fan Engagement Until 2027

Lakeland, Florida, USA - Exciting developments are underway as Swansea City A.F.C. and Visit Central Florida have joined forces once again, extending their partnership until the end of the 2027-28 season. With Central Florida now officially designated as the club’s US hub, the partnership promises to evolve into an even more significant collaboration over the next three years. Kelly Quigley, head of international partnerships at Swansea City, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that there’s a lot of potential to connect with supporters in Central Florida. Kris Keprios, senior tourism sales and marketing manager at Visit Central Florida, echoed this sentiment, noting the steady growth of their collaboration over recent years.

As part of the continuation of this partnership, Swansea City will sport the Visit Central Florida logo on its arm sleeve during the 2023-24 season. This marks the second consecutive year in which Visit Central Florida has been recognized as the club’s official destination partner. Mark Jackson, Director of Visit Central Florida, highlighted the historic ties between Polk County and the UK, emphasizing a shared love for soccer. To boost this connection, the partnership aims to promote Central Florida as a premier soccer destination and features a fantastic competition for fans to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Lakeland, including a five-night stay and tickets to popular attractions such as LEGOLAND Florida and Bok Tower Gardens.

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For the upcoming 2024-25 season, the partnership has been refreshed, ensuring that Visit Central Florida’s logo will appear on Swansea’s home, away, and third kits. This presents a wonderful opportunity for fans not only to support their team but also to explore the unique offerings of Central Florida. Lee Merrells, head of partnerships at Swansea City, can’t hide his excitement, remarking on the club’s global appeal, particularly in the US market.

Polk County, with Lakeland as its centerpiece, serves as a vital backdrop to this partnership. It’s affectionately nicknamed „Swans City,“ thanks to its historical connection with swan species, dating back to a gift from Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. As a treasured spot for visitors, the county boasts a variety of attractions, including world-famous theme parks, scenic lakes, and orange groves. For sports fans, there’s something truly appealing about a partnership that celebrates both soccer and beautiful vacationing spots!

It’s clear that this collaboration is not just about soccer; it’s about fostering ties between communities and promoting the liveliness of Central Florida as a desirable destination. With initiatives like engaging coaches with local clubs and holding fan events, there’s no doubt Swansea City and Visit Central Florida are well on their way to making an even bigger impact.

As we await Swansea City’s campaign kickoff against Birmingham City F.C. at Swansea.com Stadium on August 5, fans from both sides of the pond have much to look forward to—not just in terms of soccer, but also in the rich cultural exchanges and experiences that lie ahead.