Superdrug last week (January 28) told C+D that it has launched a new partnership with England Netball and the Netball Super League (NSL) to support women’s health in the sports industry.
The year-long partnership, which began on January 21, includes a “six-figure investment into the sport” and will see Superdrug Online Doctor become the official partner of the two organisations, a spokesperson for the retailer said.
Read more: Superdrug launches online doctor service
“As part of the partnership, Superdrug Online Doctor will have a visible presence at both England Netball and NSL major events” both in the arena and on sportswear, Superdrug added.
“The partnership also complements England Netball’s industry-leading NETBALLHer initiative that supports women and girls at all levels of sport and their female health across the different life stages,” it said.
“Commitment to women’s health”
As part of Superdrug’s “commitment to promoting active lifestyles for women”, the retailer is also funding community netball sessions to give women the opportunity to “get active and re-engage with sport”.
Superdrug head of healthcare services Chloe Anderson said that the sponsorship “not only reflects [its] commitment to promoting health and wellbeing but also aligns with [its] values of supporting active communities and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential”.
Read more: Scottish pharmacy sponsors football club as Euro 24 fever takes hold
Meanwhile, co-founder of Women’s Sports Media Craig Williams said that “by championing netball, Superdrug Online Doctor not only reinforces its commitment to women’s health but also plays a key role in supporting players of the sport at every level”.
And England Netball chief commercial officer Mark Foster said that he is “delighted” to announce the partnership with Superdrug, adding that it is “a testament to the growing commercial power of the sport”.
Read more: Superdrug union recognition ‘secret ballot’ to launch next week
It comes after a Scottish football club announced in June that independent pharmacy chain M & D Green would continue to be one of its primary shirt sponsors for the 2024/25 season.
The deal marked the fourth consecutive year of partnership between the family-owned pharmacy group and Queen’s Park FC, Scotland’s oldest football club.
Read more: PDA: Superdrug management ‘ill informed’ about union recognition
Meanwhile, the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) announced last month that it would hold a “secret postal ballot” between January 28 and February 27 to secure union recognition at Superdrug.
The ballot will “determine if pharmacists and foundation trainees at Superdrug secure an independent voice at work”, the body said.
