Manchester-based financial technology company Think Money Group has agreed a year-long sponsorship of the Wayne Rooney Foundation, reports TheBusinessDesk.com.
The agreement will see Think Money Group support a number of events during the Manchester United and England star’s testimonial year, to help achieve his goal of raising more than £5m for charity.
The group joins BT and luxury watchmaker Hublot as event sponsors.
The four charities Wayne has chosen to support through The Wayne Rooney Foundation are the NSPCC, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Claire House Children’s Hospice and The Manchester United Foundation.
Wayne Rooney’s testimonial match against Everton, was the first event Trafford Parked-based Think Money Group sponsored.
The game ended in a goalless draw against Wayne’s former club, but he was given a guard of honour when he emerged from the tunnel with his three children.
To commemorate the 12 years Wayne has played for the team, fans in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand held up a tiled mosaic which spelt out the word ‘Rooney’.
The game was also Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United managerial debut at Old Trafford and fans got the chance to see United’s latest signings, including Zlatan Ibrahimovich, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly.
Emma Dinnen, head of staff welfare at Think Money Group said: “Giving back to the community is an important part of our culture. We are excited to be involved in Wayne’s mission to raise over £5m for charity.
“As sponsors we’ll be able to give many of our staff and customers the opportunity to get involved with some of the events over the coming months – and we’ll also be fundraising directly for the Wayne Rooney Foundation.”
Peter Liver, Wayne Rooney Foundation managing director, said: “The Foundation is delighted that Think Money Group has chosen to partner with our Foundation. Our thanks go to them for their support and the help it will provide in raising vital funds to support the work of four incredible children’s charities.”