Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce it has extended its long standing partnership with Yakult for a further two years.

The new agreement will see Yakult remain the Club’s Official Match Ball Partner but also play a leading role in supporting the Bomber’s Next Generation Academy Program.

CEO, Xavier Campbell, said the Club’s partnership with Yakult was stronger than ever.

“Yakult has been a member of the Essendon family since 2005, they are the Club’s longest serving commercial partner, and we’re thrilled to have them on board for a further two years,” Campbell said.

“While Yakult will continue to be our Official Match Ball Partner, they are helping young boys and girls realise their dreams of playing for Essendon through their investment in our Next Generation Academy Program.

“We truly appreciate the loyalty Yakult has shown our Club over the journey, and we look forward to them being a part of our comeback story.”

Yakult Managing Director, Mr Ono, commended Essendon’s strong strategic vision.

“Yakult is delighted to extend our partnership with the Essendon Football Club,” Mr Ono said.

“At Yakult we value loyalty and long term relationships. Since we first became a partner in 2005 we have admired the sense of community and inclusiveness that the Club stands for. This was clearly shown in the way the club stood as one during a difficult 2016 season.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Essendon into the future and making a contribution to the wider Essendon family as the Community partner of the Essendon Football Club.”

Yakult will also play an integral role in supporting the Club’s Crichton Medal Best & Fairest in season 2017 and 2018.