Nadine Roberts (left), marketing manager of Dairy Industries Limited, presents a sponsorship cheque to Waterhouse chairman Bruce Bicknell (third right) at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium recently. Also taking part in the gesture are general secretary Felix Porter (second right), Ainsley Smikle (right) and players Lance Dacosta (second left), Marco McDonald (third left) and Moshell Nelson

Long shot title-hopefuls Waterhouse received some added encouragement as long-time sponsor, Dairy Industries Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to the club with a one-year sponsorship deal valued at $2.5 million.

The company, which has been associated with the club by way of Tastee Cheese for more than 40 years, made the announcement at half-time during a recent Premier League game.

With many of the island's top-flight clubs being severely affected by challenging economic times, which has led to the loss of sponsors, Tastee's support was greatly appreciated by Waterhouse FC chairman Bruce Bicknell.

continued support

"The fact is if it wasn't for Tastee the club would not be here today and we cannot say enough about what it means to have their continued support," Bicknell said.

"We need the continued support, not just for the club but for the community, and I constantly make appeals to the crowd because if we want the community to prosper, the children to go to schools, we need peace," he added.

"Investment in Waterhouse, like what we have today, will create opportunities and that is the way forward," he said.

first sponsor of the club

Diary Industries, which operates a factory next door the Waterhouse Mini Stadium, was the first sponsor of the club. Nadine Roberts, marketing manager of the entity, affirmed that the company was proud of that fact and pledged to continue its support.

"We believe in this community. We have been here from the very beginning and we are proud of that fact," Roberts said.

"Yes, at times they have their fair share of trouble, but this is where we work and if we do not invest in our community who will?"

"It is said that during football time there is a certain level of calm and a decrease in the level of violence and that is something we are glad to be associated with," she said.

In addition to its on-field support, the company also provides jobs for members of the community.