A Momentous Day for TADEA Middlesbrough Lions Basketball (From The Northern Echo)

A Momentous Day for TADEA Middlesbrough Lions Basketball

11:31am Thursday 19th August 2010 in TADEA Middlesbrough Lions

Middlesbrough Lions are pleased to announce their first major sponsor in the clubs young history. After just one season in National League basketball the club have secured the support of TADEA Limited.

Middlesbrough Lions will now be known as ‘TADEA Middlesbrough Lions.’ TADEA are a Billingham based company that provide energy advice and solutions across four sites in the North of England including Billingham, Newcastle, Penrith and Blackburn. TADEA is leading the way in the North of England in developing sustainable energy projects particularly in the domestic sector. From simple beginnings in 2002, they have rapidly expanded through the successful delivery of sustainable energy projects and now hold a key coordinating position across the whole of the region.

Chief Executive, Paul Jackson, believes the sponsorship of Middlesbrough Lions to be a new and bold step forward for TADEA and is aiming for his company to benefit from the Lions extensive media profile in this region as well as promoting the TADEA brand on the team’s travels.

Mr Jackson is a tireless advocate of Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley and appreciates the affect positive sporting achievements provide to the area.

“Being born & bred as well as living and working all my life in the Middlesbrough area I have seen first hand the dramatic positive affect sporting success can have on all of us.

Those of my age will remember the excitement generated when Whitby Town went to Wembley, when Middlesbrough FC rose from the mid-eighties collapse and marched through the leagues, or the first couple of seasons in the new Riverside Stadium watching Brazil- or the closest we would come this side of the Atlantic Ocean. I haven’t even got to the “clubs first cup finals and the subsequent European trophy final. The town went crazy, in the best possible way. Outsiders could feel the pride oozing out of all of us, football followers or not. A generally self deprecating town became a confident one for a while. It was a truly great feeling and one we would all relish returning.

None of these things are likely to have happened without the introduction of genuine passionate leaders, benefactors, that is the Steve Gibson’s of this world and committed partnerships. Middlesbrough Lions are in many ways at that point, indeed there are similarities with the start of TADEA Limited eight years ago. I could clearly see and more importantly feel the passion and commitment James Thomson has for the club. Hopefully the commitment and support of the TADEA team, along with the other sponsors support, and James’ obvious drive and expertise in Basketball, a new sporting legend can grow and be developed outside of Football. One which sets the hairs on the back of our children and grandchildren’s necks on end some 10, 20 and 30 years later.

Here’s to promotion after promotion and the sustainable consolidation and establishment of TADEA Middlesbrough Lions as well the successful development of two special Tees Valley brands nationally and even internationally. With 7ft players on board, reaching for the stars is a more than realistic aim.”

- Paul Jackson, Chief Executive TADEA

James Thomson, Chairman of TADEA Middlesbrough Lions believes this to be a significant day in the clubs history. “We are very excited about this relationship. We are happy that we can boast and promote a locally based sponsor who supports our ambitions to provide top class basketball and entertainment in this area.” Mr Thomson continued “Not only are TADEA providing us with a financial investment but they are providing in kind support to assist the development of our club. They have a number of skilled professionals in various areas that we can now call upon for advice as well as a company infrastructure that can provide valuable assistance in terms of joint marketing and project development.”

The exact figure have not been disclosed, however the deal is believed to be a significant investment which will enable the TADEA Middlesbrough Lions to take an athletic leap forward.

The club has stated that as part of this sponsorship and with the support of Tees Valley Leisure, ticket prices throughout the season will be half price meaning an adult ticket is only £4 while a child ticket is just £3. A family ticket has also been introduced for just £12 providing a real bargain and a much welcome offer in times of financial uncertainty. “When Paul and I discussed plans, we were both in agreement that we would like to promote a good offer for the people in this region.” added Mr Thomson.

Not content with a half price offer for the full season, the club have also announced, due to the support of TADEA and Tees Valley Leisure, a “PRE season is FREE season" campaign meaning anyone can attend four pre season games free of charge. Tickets are available at a number of destinations, including TADEA head office at Belasis Business Park in Billingham, although you must collect your tickets in advance of the game otherwise a £2 charge will be incurred. The club is encouraging donations for the ICU at James Cook University Hospital and anyone wishing to do so can make a contribution on each game day.