Club and AIA celebrate kick-off of new partnership

July marks the official start of our five-year partnership with AIA Group Limited (AIA), the pre-eminent life insurance provider in the Asia Pacific region.

As our principal global partner, the AIA brand will appear on the front of the Club’s shirts in all competitions for the next five years until 2019. This long-term partnership will provide a powerful platform for both organisations to work together as the Club further expands its presence in Asia and AIA continues to grow its franchise across the region. The long-term partnership reflects the shared commitment of the Club and AIA to promoting the role of sport in Asia-Pacific as a key element of healthy living.

Last season saw the Club enter into a Cup Shirt Partnership with AIA, whose brand position is ‘Real Life Company’, which encapsulates the Company’s longstanding commitment to be deeply engaged in people’s lives.

A range of joint activations have since taken place in Asia, further demonstrating the strength of the relationship. 
Club Legends Ledley King and Ossie Ardiles were in Hong Kong in November, 2013 to celebrate AIA’s third anniversary as an independent company.

The pair supported our Global Coaching team in delivering football sessions for AIA staff and customers, as well as underprivileged local children who AIA work with through a CSR programme that has healthy living and vitality at its core.

Further activations were supported by Ledley when the extension to the partnership was announced back in February and our legendary former captain recently took part in an AIA Roadshow across mainland China from late May to early June.

Events were held for AIA staff, customers and their families in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Kunshan and Guangzhou. 
AIA also supported the Club Ambassador’s memorable Testimonial match at the end of last season, which attracted a sell-out crowd and big name Spurs legends from the last 15 years.

Ledley said: “It has been a pleasure to work with AIA so far and I speak on behalf of everyone at the Club in saying we are looking forward to an exciting five years ahead.

“The work we have already done together shows the benefits a partnership like this can bring in terms of the brand-related benefits for both sides and using football as a force for good in communities across the region.

“I look forward to heading out to that part of the world again soon and continuing to engage with the growing and passionate fanbase we have across Asia.”

Excitement now builds towards the big kick-off, and the AIA brand being seen for the first time in a Premier League match when the Club takes on West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday 16th August, the partnership is set to further develop over the coming months.

AIA will also be sponsoring the Hong Kong U16 Representative Team’s trip to London next month, which will see them train at the Club alongside our coaches in preparation for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation U16 Championships taking place in September in Thailand.

Stay tuned for more update on our partnership.  We are excited and look forward to continuing our close collaboration with AIA over the next five years.