York City have made a new signing – a unique drink crafted close to their stadium.
Ellers Farm Distillery, based just outside Stamford Bridge in York, has announced that Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka is the new back-of-shirt sponsor for City’s home and away shirts.
They replace Easy Telecommunications on the shirts. And fans who have already bought replica shirts can get them updated for free.
Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka is hand-crafted from British apples – unlike any other vodka on the planet.
The distillery also produces a range of gins, liqueurs and English whisky.
York City opted to seek alternative opportunities “following the previous sponsor’s inability to fulfil its agreement with the club”, it said.
The new Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka-sponsored kit will first be worn by the Minstermen this Saturday (16 September) in their fixture against Southend United at the LNER Community Stadium, and is available to purchase now.
York City FC co-chair Matt Uggla said: “I am delighted to announce that Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, a local sustainable brand with global ambitions, is now one of our key sponsors and our new back-of-shirt sponsor.
“We were left in a difficult situation by our original back-of-shirt sponsor but the Ellers Farm Distillery team moved quickly to support us and we are really excited to have formed this new partnership with Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka.
“Due to the change, any supporter who has purchased either a home or away shirt so far this season can return it to the club, who will ensure it is reprinted with our new sponsor free of charge.”
Fans are asked to note that the option to update the shirt sponsors will not be undertaken on junior shirts due to the laws surrounding alcohol advertising.
Steve Hickey, sales director at Ellers Farm Distillery, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to step in to support York City FC.
“We are based just six miles from the LNER Community Stadium, so this is a natural partnership for us. Personally, I know first-hand what a fantastic club YCFC is, with both my sons going through the Academy at York and being a part of the club’s loyal fan base.”