DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK SHARKS have agreed a sponsorship deal with Vodafone that guarantees the survival of the North-East’s leading women’s rugby team.

In August, the Darlington-based Sharks had to raise a minimum of £50,000 or be forced to withdraw from the Allianz Premier 15s. In response, the club launched an emergency crowdfunding campaign which raised over £32,000 in just a few days.

Vodafone then stepped in with a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal that has enabled the club to confirm their place in this season’s league and invest the full crowdfunding amount in the continued growth of the club.

As the only fully amateur side in the Allianz Premier 15s and the only top-flight team in the North-East, DMP Sharks are a vital part of the local community, as shown by the amazing response to the crowdfunding initiative. The funds raised will allow them to cover vital expenses such as travel, accommodation and medical fees.

The Vodafone sponsorship also extends to support of the club’s junior teams. This will help develop the club’s elite talent pipeline, as well as provide much-needed opportunities for kids in the local community to stay active and get involved in sport.

Sharks co-captain, Mackenzie Thomas-Roberts, said: “It was really emotional, but seeing the fans and the local community get behind us was incredible. We even had young girls who were prepared to sell their jerseys to help raise money for the team. These are the players that we want to inspire, and we hope that one day they will come and play for us.”

Sharks coach, Mark Luffman, added: “You can’t put it into words. We have had quite a tough start from the beginning of pre-season, and it has been amazing to have funding from Vodafone. Their financial support is crucial to our mentality and professionalism going forward. We want to be at the forefront of the premiership and now with backing from Vodafone and the local community it is only going to push us to achieve more.”

The partnership forms part of a broader commitment from Vodafone to support women’s rugby, which includes existing partnerships with the Welsh Rugby Union and Armed Forces Women’s Rugby Team.

Vodafone’s chief commercial officer, Max Taylor, said: “We’re delighted to support the DMP Sharks as part of our long-term commitment to women’s sport in the UK, building on our existing partnerships with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Armed Forces Women’s Rugby team and following our role on the Women’s Lions feasibility steering group.

“The passion and commitment shown by everyone at the club, as well as in the local community, over the last few months has been truly inspiring. We are looking forward to an exciting season ahead.”

Darlington Mowden Park Sharks produced their best display of the season so far in their most recent game as they went down to a 31-12 defeat to Sale Sharks.

They return to action this weekend when they host Exeter Chiefs at the Darlington Arena on Saturday in a midday kick-off. They then round off the year with a home game against Wasps that is sandwiched between away matches against Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury.

The club have helped develop and nurture a host of former and current England internationals, including former England captain Katy Daley-McLean and World Cup performer Tamara Taylor, who made more than 100 senior appearances for her country.