Unlike team jerseys in North American-based sports such as hockey, football and basketball, it is a tradition in soccer to feature a club’s title sponsor prominently on the front of the jerseys.
The Victoria Highlanders will do so now in the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League wearing the name of Island Savings. The two-year deal, with options for more seasons, was announced Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“We think this is a partnership made in heaven and that we are going to do great things together,” said Randy Bertsch, president of Island Savings, during a news conference to announce the sponsorship.
The PDL is considered the highest level of amateur soccer in North America. There were 18 PDL alumni selected in the first round of the 2018 Major League Soccer draft, and 36 of the top 46 picks overall.
The Highlanders open their 2018 PDL season May 11 in Calgary against the Foothills. The first home game at Centennial Stadium for Victoria is May 20 against Portland Timbers U-23.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, announced the signing of a key veteran player returning for his third season. Callum Montgomery of Nanaimo, who graduated from St. Michaels University School, was named first team all-conference this season in the NCAA with North Carolina-Charlotte and looks to continue his development with the Highlanders in the PDL.
Significant Highlanders alumni include Canada-capped Jamar Dixon and MLS pros Brett Levis of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Matt Polster of Chicago Fire.
