A regional law firm has thrown its support behind sports clubs with a hat-trick of sponsorship deals to help them get ahead of the game.
Ellis Jones Solicitors has teamed up with Bournemouth-based Oakmeadians Rugby Club for the first time by becoming sponsor of its Ladies and Girls section.
Ellis Jones, which is the only firm in the area with a dedicated Sports Law department, has also renewed its support for Wimborne’s football and cricket teams.
Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones’ Managing Partner, said: “Sports clubs sit at the heart of our communities and deserve our support.
“Our aim is to help them achieve success both on and off the field. It is a pleasure to continue to support Wimborne’s football and cricket clubs as well as Oakmeadians for the first time. We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.”
Based in Meyrick Park, Oakmeadians was founded in 1963 and 780 members. It fields 25 men’s, ladies, boys, girls and youth teams, including a Little Bears side for youngsters aged three to five.
Ellis Jones Associate Solicitor Theresa Mills is among the 40-strong membership of its Ladies section.
Jane Hart, chairman of Oakmeadians RFC, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of such a prestigious local company.
“Our Girls section is growing rapidly and our Ladies team is one of the strongest in the area so this backing will play a great part in helping them develop even further.”
Ellis Jones’ Sports Law team advise on a range of issues such as contracts, intermediary/agent regulations, image rights, brand protection, sponsorship, event management, discrimination, anti-doping and employment issues.
Partner and Head of the Sports Law department David McWilliam is as an independent Disciplinary Panel member and Non-Executive Director of the Dorset County Football Association (FA).
He was recently appointed as one of an elite group of members of FA’s National Serious Case Panel, dealing with cases from across the country.
David is a member of the British Association for Sport & Law, and Chairman of Christchurch Seagulls Swimming Club.
Ellis Jones, with more than 160 staff and 19 Partners, sponsored a new T10 triangular cricket tournament during the summer.
It also sponsors Swanage Cricket Club and Came Down Golf Club, and is the trusted legal advisor for Pure Golf Management.
Ellis Jones has offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.