The new deal reaffirms the UK’s longest running football league sponsorship deal up until the end of the 2015/16 season, a partnership of 19 years between league and sponsor.
The combined attendances of the Ryman Premier League, Ryman Division One North and Ryman Division One South last season were up by nearly 5% compared to the 2011/12 season, reflecting the growing strength and popularity of the three Ryman League divisions.

Theo Paphitis, chairman of the Ryman Group, said: “I couldn’t be prouder to be extending the longest running league sponsorship in UK football for a further two years. With attendances up, the Ryman League continues to deliver an important connection for local communities – a reflection of what we are doing on the high streets at Ryman.”

New Cup Sponsors Also Unveiled

In addition to the renewed league sponsorship Theo Paphitis’ other companies will also be entering into support of the Isthmian Football League set up for the first time.

Homewares retailer Robert Dyas, who Paphitis took over in July 2012, will become title sponsors of the league’s various cups including the Robert Dyas League Cup, Robert Dyas Vets Cup, Robert Dyas Disability Cup and the Robert Dyas Youth Play-off Cup whilst Theo’s lingerie firm Boux Avenue will become the title sponsor of the Boux Avenue Women’s Cup.

Alan Turvey, Chairman of the Ryman Football League, said: “To be extending our partnership with Ryman into a 19th season – the longest current league sponsorship in UK football - is a great testament to the unstinting support Theo and Ryman have given to our grass roots football.
The highlight of last season was seeing Ryman Division One South’s Hastings United take over 1000 fans all the way up to Middlesbrough for their FA Cup 3rd round tie with the Championship big boys and the Ryman Leagues continue to make great strides forwards with total attendances up, prolific new brand sponsors for all our cup tournaments and the welcoming of Channel Islanders Guernsey FC to our family.“

The 2013/14 Ryman Football League will see an expansion to 72 clubs across the three divisions with the introduction of Barkingside, Burnham Ramblers, Dereham Town, Erith & Belvedere, VCD Athletic, Peacehaven & Telscombe and Redhill. But arguably the most exciting new arrival is Guernsey FC to Ryman League Division One South, with the Ryman League becoming the first in the country to welcome a Channel Island club to this level of the football league system.

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About the Ryman Isthmian Football League

Founded in 1905 the league covers semi-professional and amateur clubs across London and the South-East. Comprising today of 72 clubs split into three divisions, with the Ryman North Division and Ryman South Division feeding into the Ryman Premier League, The Ryman Football League sits at levels seven and eight in the national football league system, just below Conference Football.

Ryman League