SunTrust Banks Inc. (NYSE: STI) and Major League Soccer (MLS) club Atlanta United today announced a multi-year agreement naming SunTrust as the official bank of the club.
The agreement includes advertising, branding, promotions, signage and appearance opportunities, including the upcoming Atlanta United Academy tryouts. SunTrust has also partnered to be the official jersey sponsor of the Atlanta United Academy.
“With the continued growing interest and participation in soccer here in Atlanta and across the United States, partnering with Atlanta United is a natural fit with our sports-related marketing strategy,” said Mark Chancy, wholesale banking executive of SunTrust. “Arthur Blank has already put together a very strong team of professionals off the field, and we know they are in the process of building a first-class squad to compete on the field. This partnership will provide us unique opportunities to enhance the financial well-being of all associated with Atlanta United, and encourage individuals to join the onUp movement to financial confidence.”
The Atlanta United Academy will focus on elite youth development and will begin competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program in August 2016. Shared with the first team, the Academy will train and compete out of the club’s new state-of-the-art training ground located in Marietta, GA beginning in 2017.
“We’re thrilled to announce SunTrust as our club’s official banking partner and jersey sponsor for the Atlanta United Academy,” said Darren Eales president of Atlanta United.” This partnership aligns with our approach toward building a world-class academy program, as well as our club’s commitment to giving back to the community.”
The Atlanta United Academy will offer SunTrust a platform tied to the onUp movement for assisting in the financial education of the young attendees at an important developmental point in their lives, both physically and mentally.
Last year, SunTrust was announced as a founding partner of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, new home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United set to open in 2017.
