YORK City Knights have secured a three-year sponsorship deal with leading Australian-based company Bartercard.

Under the new partnership the National League division two side will receive financial support from Bartercard York and also be entitled to use the services of the world's largest bartering exchange.

A huge marketing push by Bartercard's new sports-mad Australian Chief Executive Officer Ian Jones was a key factor in the deal.

Jones is keen to expand the company's sporting involvement in this country and Chris Bradley, a Knights supporter who runs Bartercard's York operation, is delighted with the agreement.

Bradley said: "These are exciting times. The Knights have had a fantastic first season and are set to do even better next season.

"There is a real buzz around the club and I am looking forward to sharing that success with them on behalf of Bartercard."

Bartercard already sponsor London Irish Rugby Union Club, AFC Bournemouth and Wycombe Wanderers Football Clubs, as well as cricket's Twenty20 competition and several sporting events in Australia.

Jones hopes to support the local community in a social and fun way while, at the same time, raising the profile of the company's York office.

He said: "York is a very important area for us so we wanted to get properly involved. Bartercard, as a concept, is designed to help businesses financially so this type of support for the sports community is a natural step for us and is being very well received."

Aside from the sponsorship money, Knights will also benefit financially from the service that Bartercard provides.

As the world's largest trade exchange, Bartercard allows its members, whatever industry they are in, to buy essential goods and services without having to use up their cash reserves.

This can include buying anything from printing, advertising, stationery, maintenance, furniture, telecoms or computer systems.

In return, clients simply credit their Bartercard accounts by selling any spare capacity or unused goods or services to other members of the exchange, of which there are currently over 2,500 in the UK.

John Guildford, a major shareholder at Knights, also welcomed today's deal, saying: "We are very pleased to be involved with Bartercard and see this very much as an important local partnership. Make sure to come and see us at our next match."

Knights were the second division's best-supported club last season and will be bidding for promotion next year under new coach Richard Agar.

Bartercard's York base is at 63-65 Heworth Road, York, tel (01904) 430444.

Updated: 13:04 Thursday, October 09, 2003