Knights Secure Sponsorship as Schedule is Released
The New Forest Thunder Knights are delighted to have secured sponsorship for the upcoming season from the New Forest Academy of Dance and Kings Computer Recycling. Both organisations have sponsored one of the Knights’ home games and will see their branding displayed across the team’s social media and banners on game day. With three months of winter training under their belt, the Knights have also received their schedule for the season. A league debut away at Bristol Buccaneers kicks things off on April 16th, road trips to Taunton and Cardiff follow, before the home opener against the Bournemouth Bears on May 14th. The Knights will host the Cornish Claycutters and the Weston Jets in interdivisional games alongside further divisional matchups with the Bristol Brunels and both Cardiff Merlins’ teams. Team Manager, Warren Doyle, said: ‘Getting the team set up for our first season has been an incredibly exciting process. I’m really proud of everything we’ve achieved so far and there’s a lot more to come. ‘The support of local partners is vital as we seek to grow both the Thunder Knights and British Baseball in general, so we’re very thankful to the Academy of Dance and Kings for their very generous support.’ New Forest Academy of Dance Owner, Kayleigh Sargeant, said: ‘Our ethos is very similar to that of the Knights, as we’re both looking to help people unleash their full potential. We’re excited to see a new sport in the New Forest, and we believe this partnership will benefit both organisations.’ Kings Computer Recycling Owner, Trevor Herbert, said: ‘I’m delighted that we’re able to support an up and coming local sports team. I know that the Knights are a family club, much like our business here in Christchurch, which is why it made perfect sense to agree to this partnership.’ Ahead of the season, the Thunder Knights will also host a session for players new to the game of baseball. On Saturday April 8th, the club is inviting anyone who wants to give the sport a try to join them at Ellingham Cricket Club to learn the basics and have a throw with some of the current squad. A preseason game against Warwickshire Baseball Club is also scheduled for March 26th, alongside a South West and Wales League tournament in Bristol on April 2nd. The New Forest Academy of Dance is based in Lymington and offers dance and musical theatre classes to all age groups in a fun and positive environment. The Academy recently held their Lower School Show, highlighting the talent and hard work of a host of students in front of a captivated audience at Brockenhurst Village Hall. With a host of experience in servicing and repairs, Kings Computer Recycling is regarded as the best recycling option for schools, companies and individuals on the South Coast. Based in Christchurch and run by Trevor Herbert, the company helps local organisations with their IT needs, with no job too big or small. Further Information:
Thunder Knights Backed By Local Business
The New Forest Thunder Knights baseball club are delighted to announce their first sponsorship agreement with a UK firm. Ringwood based agriculture and machinery specialists, Merlo, have provided funding for the new team – enabling them to purchase vital equipment ahead of their debut season. Given the inclusive nature of baseball in the UK, the funding will go towards providing equipment that enables those who are new to the game to learn the sport in the best possible environment. Knights’ General Manager, Andy Moore, said: “We’re incredibly thankful to Merlo for their support as we go about setting up the club. “The Thunder Knights ethos is all about community, so to receive the backing of a company based in the New Forest is a major win for us. “Every bit of support allows us to grow baseball on the South Coast, helping beginners and experienced players alike to fall in love with the sport.” James Knight, Marketing Coordinator at Merlo UK said: “During Merlo’s thirty years in the UK, we have prided ourselves in our support of sports teams, charities and community groups local to our offices in Hampshire. “The commitment and tenacity demonstrated by the Thunder Knights embodies the audacious spirit of our founders in 1964 and 1997 across Italy and the UK. “We look forward to supporting the Thunder Knights in their efforts to grow the game of baseball in the New Forest area through 2023 and beyond.” The news comes after the club also received the backing of the AFC Bournemouth Community Fund on ‘Cherry Monday’. US based baseball journal, the Twin Bill, have also funded the team’s match balls for the 2023 season. With baseball continuing to grow across the UK, every element of support from local organisations, like Merlo, is incredibly valuable to start up clubs. As well as helping with the purchase of equipment, the funding will allow the New Forest based team to build on the interest they have received from potential new players after a recent appearance on BBC South Today. Like the game of baseball, Merlo themselves are an international institution, with their UK base in Ringwood. The company specialises in rotating telehandlers, patented cab suspension and hydrostatic transmissions, and it is a mainstay of the international agriculture and machinery industry. In 2022 the company invested in its Ringwood premises, allowing for the construction of a bespoke training centre on site. More than 250 Merlo specialist trainees have undertaken courses at this facility since its development. As part of their commitment to their staff and the local community, the company readily supports local endeavours, particularly to help boost health and wellbeing. Further Information:
Press release
Click to read our press release! “We’re really excited to bring baseball to the New Forest and Southampton this year. There’s huge potential for the sport both in the local area and across the United Kingdom. Our aim is to enjoy ourselves on and off the field and to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels happy, safe and supported to play this fantastic sport.” Sam Williams, Assistant General Manager Sam was also interviewed on BBC Radio Solent about the new team. Listen to the interview via our Twitter or Instagram. Bring the Thunder!