As the official naming partner of AO Arena, we help people create memories that last a lifetime in one of Manchester’s most famous event spaces. After all, making people smile is what we do best. In addition to the AO Arena, we also support a number of sports teams. And the list is growing. From grassroots to professional teams, we’re proud to have built meaningful partnerships that help us stay true to our AO values. Check out how we’re making sure millions of people see our big green smile up and down the country and where you can catch a glimpse.
AO Grassroots Programme
In late 2023, AO pledged to make sport more accessible for almost half a million children in the UK. A huge part of this commitment was setting up a grassroots programme, so that youth sports teams around the country could apply to have their kits funded and sponsored by us. Click the link to register your interest, the team applying must be a youth team (under 16 years) and community led (not a school team).
Football team applications are currently closed due to high demand. We’re planning to reopen in October 2026, so please check back then for updates. Applications for all other sports teams are still open.
Official naming rights partner of the AO Arena
Our sponsorship is currently set to run for a decade – right up until 2030. A time frame that’ll see hundreds of millions of visitors walk through the doors every year. Since our sponsorship began in September 2020, we’ve given away £50,000 worth of prizes, as well as surprising over 12,000 people with incredible gifts, experiences, and upgrades. As part of our mission to future-proof the venue, the AO Arena has undergone a £50m redevelopment – including a new VIP entrance, a member-only bar and restaurant, and improved customer safety measures.
Official partners of JagTag (Jacksonville Jaguars UK)
JagTag is a simplified version of tag-based American Football. Invented by the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s sweeping across schools in the UK. The game is taught in over 300 UK schools as part of the PE curriculum, as well as youth centres and sports halls nationwide. And we’re proud to say this partnership will benefit over 87,000 young people annually.
The AO logo will proudly feature on every JagTag playing bib in the country.
Official Principal Partner of AO Thunder
AO Thunder are the five times Netball Super League (NSL) champions, as well as being the first Super League club to have set up an academy offering elite coaching to talented youngsters. It’s fair to say they’re an ambitious and passionate club and always open to anyone who shares its vision, which is why we’ve become partners.
Our sponsorship will see the AO logo pop up in lots of places – including on the front of their distinctive dresses. We also hope to offer strategic support in the team’s journey towards the full professionalism of netball and allow AO Thunder to invest in other exciting, long-term initiatives.
Official sponsor of BLGC
For over two decades, AO has been a driving force behind a transformative journey for the children and young people of Bolton and Greater Manchester. Their continued commitment to the AO Sports Club in Bolton has not just provided opportunities but has enabled over 4000 children and young people to be involved in grass roots football, build positive relationships with their team members, and create amazing memories! Through their generous funding, they’ve turned dreams into reality, elevating the BLGC football offer to one of the best in the North West.
Official sponsor of Altrincham Football Club
Altrincham FC play in the National League and have ambitious plans to climb the football league pyramid.
The AO logo sits proudly on the front of Alty’s shirts, and we play our part in providing the smiles on match days at Moss Lane with exciting giveaways, half-time activities, and promotions.
This sponsorship further cements our commitment to supporting local sports and bringing people together across the region. We’re excited to see the positive impact it will have, both on the pitch and in the community.
Official Partner of Lancashire County Cricket Club
Lancashire Cricket Club represents the historic county of Lancashire in cricket’s County Championship. Founded in 1864 as a successor to Manchester Cricket Club, Lancashire have played at Old Trafford since then and, in 1865, played their inaugural first-class match, beating Middlesex at Old Trafford.
As part of our partnership with LCCC, AO will continue to sponsor the pathway front of shirts for both the boys’ and girls’ youth teams as well as now becoming the naming rights partner of a brand-new cricket facility ‘AO Farington Cricket Ground’. AO Farington is a modern, dual-purpose cricket facility combining professional-level infrastructure with community access. It will host high-level men’s and women’s cricket, but also be a home for local cricket clubs, youth, and recreational players.
Get in touch
If you like the sound of us, feel free to get in touch using the link below. We’re sure we’d make a great team!
Thanks for your interest and we can’t wait to hear from you.