YORK City have received a welcome boost as they prepare for the likelihood of relegation from the Football League with Benenden extending their shirt-sponsorship deal to 2019.

Benenden’s new three-year agreement will start next season and extends a relationship that first started in June 2012 following the club’s promotion back to the Football League.

The York-based mutual healthcare providers have also provided heart-monitoring and health checks for the first team during that time and, in conjunction with the club’s Foundation, helped deliver wellbeing workshops to thousands of primary school children.

Lawrence Christensen, group marketing director at Benenden, said: “Since teaming up with York City in 2012, we have thoroughly enjoyed a rewarding relationship that has resulted in a wide range of activity and positive outcomes for both parties. The club knows that in an organisation like Benenden they don’t just get a cheque, but they gain a spirited, hard-working partner in the community.

“By signing up to a new three-year deal, regardless of the outcome of this season, we wanted to let the club, the team and the fans know that we are behind them. We believe the club has a strong vision and positive future, particularly with the move to the new community stadium that surely promises to be of major benefit to the city.

“We’re really looking forward to the next few years of working with the club.”

City chairman Jason McGill thanked Benenden for their show of solidarity, saying: “I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted by the wonderful long-term support and commitment that Benenden has shown towards York City, especially during this challenging time for the club. The partnership with Benenden not only helps the first-team squad, but also enables the creation and delivery of meaningful community initiatives that make a real difference to children and the vulnerable in our city.

“I would call the team at Benenden not just partners, but friends, with both of us having the same objectives and goals and I thank them again for their unstinting support.”