Soccer association secures sponsorship

By Tim FitzgeraldMorning Star StaffJul 07 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The Vernon Soccer Association scored a major triumph Thursday as it landed a new corporate sponsor for its indoor facility on 25th Avenue. The facility will now be called the VantageOne Soccer Centre after the credit union inked a $50,000, five-year deal to link its name to the indoor field. VantageOne Financial Services is the new corporate name of the former Vernon and District Credit Union, unveiled at a press conference Thursday morning. Al Betton of the VSA said the deal will help its more than 3,000 members continue to move forward. “VantageOne has a proven track record of sponsoring minor sports and having a corporate sponsor will elevate our status to a new level,” said Betton. “This is a great financial boost to what is an unprecedented project.” The VantageOne Soccer Centre opened its doors Feb. 8. Total construction costs for the building are estimated to be in the $1.7 million dollar range and the VSA hopes to pay off the debt in 10 years. Dr. Gavin Smart of the VSA said the community has proven the facility was warranted with their generosity towards making the project happen. He said having VantageOne on board adds more credibility to their facility. “At the end of the day we need financial support. It’s important to the community and it’s what makes the facility come to life,” said Smart. He said the members of the VSA board were excited to have VantageOne sign on after their recent success with the FIS World Cup at Sovereign Lake. Glenn Benischek, chief executive officer of VantageOne Financial Services, said the combination of the VSA’s success with the facility and the credit union’s desire to get its new brand out in the community prompted the decision. “When we assessed the Vernon Soccer Association’s business case for the indoor facility and realized just how booked they were, we decided it was an excellent tie-in with our new corporate brand,” said Benischek. “We were looking for brand recognition and we think this is an excellent opportunity.”