The new agreement forms part of The Football Association's new F.A. Partners commercial programme and will see The F.A. and UMBRO working together for the benefit of English football at all levels, from the grass roots to the senior England team. The new partnership begins in August 2002 and will last through to 2010.

Within the F.A. Partners programme, in which a select group of five main commercial partners will support The F.A. in achieving its stated purpose of successfully developing football at every level, UMBRO becomes The F.A.'s partner for the "Elite Pillar". England teams at all levels will continue to wear UMBRO playing, training and leisure products.

The introduction of new kits will continue to follow the current schedule, with fans being given clear notice of the life-cycle of each new design. UMBRO will also provide integral support for the new National Football Centre, currently being built on a 350 acre site in Burton-upon-Trent in the East Midlands.

UMBRO will make strategic use of a specially designed research and development facility within the National Football Centre, helping to produce the best possible football products for players at all levels of the game.

Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of The Football Association: "We have undergone many significant changes at The Football Association in recent years in order to fulfill our purpose of leading the successful development of football at every level. UMBRO has provided us with excellent support every step of the way and I'm delighted that we have reached an agreement for the relationship to be extended for the remainder of this critical decade for English football. Together, I hope we can work towards realising our vision of using the power of football to build a better future."

Peter McGuigan, Chief Executive Officer of UMBRO International: "This new partnership is excellent news for the UMBRO brand, in that it will give us a deeper involvement in English football across the board. The England Senior Team, the England Women's team, The F.A. Cup and the new National Football Centre are just some of the unique properties within the world of football that UMBRO will be proud to be associated with."

Paul Barber, The Football Association's Director of Marketing: "The F.A. has worked with UMBRO for many years and we believe they are absolutely the right partner for the future. There is a natural synergy between us in terms of heritage, passion and commitment to football. I believe we share common goals for the long term success of the game and I am delighted that after several months of discussion and negotiation we have reached this agreement."

"This is an excellent start for our F.A. Partners programme, which has captured the imagination of major companies wishing to meet their own marketing objectives through football. We expect to make further F.A. Partners announcements over the course of the next few weeks."

Martin Prothero, Head of Marketing and International at UMBRO International: "This new partnership between UMBRO and The Football Association is fantastic news for the game of football in this country. It is an extension of a successful relationship that dates back many years, and evolves UMBRO's role from that of a kit supplier, to a genuine partner for the development of the game at all levels. As a British brand that is devoted solely to football, we are naturally delighted to take on this important role within the English game."