Royal Antwerp FC has announced a new commercial partnership with global footwear brand Skechers. The deal, confirmed this week, arrives as the club handles a difficult sporting period, sitting 13th in the Jupiler Pro League with just seven points from seven matches.
Maurice van Berkel, Country Manager for Skechers Benelux, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. "With Skechers Football we bring our 'Comfort that Performs' philosophy to the football pitch," said Van Berkel. "The football boots are specially developed for speed and grip, with ultimate comfort as a starting point, so players can perform optimally."
The brand will be visible via LED boarding and the scoreboard at the Bosuilstadion. Player Louie Van Gelder already wears Skechers football boots on the pitch. The American brand, which also works with stars like Harry Kane and Mohammed Kudus, is taking another step into the international football market with this move.
The commercial agreement follows other recent developments, including the launch of Business Club 1880 and the rollout of 4G and 5G connectivity in the stadium. On the pitch, however, the situation is tough. After a 4-4 draw with Genk came defeats to STVV, Standard, Club Brugge and Union. The last five matches have yielded just one point. The full standings show the scale of the challenge.
Attention now turns to the next league fixture away to KVC Westerlo on October 10th. The fixtures list indicates this is an opportunity to reverse the negative trend. Top scorer Michael Frey, with four goals this season, will be key to that effort.
The original report is at voetbalkrant.com
