Spartans have started the new year with a brand new name for their home in the north of Edinburgh. The League Two club’s Ainslie Park will now officially be known as the Vanloq Community Stadium at The Spartans Football Club following a link-up with the global workforce solutions company.
Spartans have called the ground home since it was opened in 2008, replacing their former City Ground stadium which sat just a few hundred yards along Ferry Road. Dougie Samuels’ side were promoted to the SPFL two years ago and currently sit sixth in League Two, eight points outside the play-off positions but with three games in hand.
But selling the naming rights will help generate income as the ambitious 74-year-old club look to climb further up the SPFL ladder. The community club run men and womens’ teams right down to early kickers.
And Debbi McCulloch, CEO at The Spartans Foundation noted, “On behalf of everyone at the Spartans Community Foundation, we are thrilled to express our heartfelt thanks to Vanloq for their generous
support as the sponsor of the Vanloq Community Stadium. Our partnership not only enables us to grow and strengthen our connection with the community, but also change people’s lives through the power of sport. Together, we look forward to creating unforgettable moments and a bright future by creating a social village that people from across North Edinburgh and beyond can access.”
Graham Carbis, Spartans Head of Commercial, added: “We are thrilled to announce this partnership between Vanloq and The Spartans Football Club reinforces our commitment to fostering strong community ties.
“By securing the naming rights for the stadium, we are creating a lasting legacy that honours our club’s rich history while paving the way for future growth and innovation.
“We look forward to working closely with Craig, Sean and Milli from Vanloq to create an exciting environment for our supporters and the wider community.”
Speaking at the unveiling of the rebranded stadium Vanloq Managing Director Sean Bowman said, “I am immensely proud to announce our partnership with Spartans FC and the Spartans Community Foundation, an organisation making a profound impact by supporting troubled young people through education and opportunity.
“At Vanloq, we believe in creating pathways for brighter futures, which is why we are thrilled to sponsor Spartans and fund the upskilling of these incredible young individuals.
“By combining the power of football and education, we aim to help these young people unlock their potential and step confidently into meaningful roles with our customers. Together, we are not just buildingcareers—we are transforming lives.”