CEFO CFS Challenge Trophy | Spartans v South Shields

The CEFO CFS Challenge Trophy will be on the line when Blyth Spartans host South Shields in pre-season this month.

Both clubs recently announced partnerships with CEFO Group and CFS, signalling the group of companies' tremendous and continued commitment to supporting non-league football in the North East.

CEFO Group, Blyth's main sponsor, will feature proudly on the club's home and away kits for the 2021/22 season, while the CFS logo will be displayed on the Mariners' shirts.

Michael Nelson's men welcome the Northern Premier League outfit to Croft Park on Saturday, July 24 (kick-off 3pm) and it has now been confirmed they will be competing for silverware as the support of CFS and CEFO Group for both sides is further strengthened.

CEFO Group chief executive officer John Wood said: "What an exciting prelude to the new season for both clubs!

"Our whole reason for sponsoring both clubs is to invest in, and bring together, the community of the North East.

"What better way to do this than a pre-season challenge match between two of the region's most popular clubs? Good luck to both Spartans and South Shields!"

Tony Platten, chairman of Blyth Spartans, said:"Blyth, like South Shields, look forward to at last playing a game in front of our enthusiastic supporters and hope that the lifting of some Covid restrictions will allow this to happen.

"We know the team from CEFO and CFS from previous seasons and we hope that we can now help to give them the exposure they deserve for their support of local football."

South Shields FC Head of Business Development Colin Docherty said: "The support CFS and CEFO Group are showing for non-league football in our region is remarkable.

"I'm sure both clubs are united in their gratitude for the backing the companies have provided during what has been and continues to be a hugely uncertain time for sides at our level, and this game provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate our thanks.

"It is sure to be as competitive a pre-season friendly as you can get between two well-supported clubs looking to fine-tune their preparations for the new campaign and with a trophy on the line, the occasion is one to truly look forward to."

CFS is CEFO Group's dedicated engineering and fabrication division, providing advanced services for multiple sectors including the global oil and gas, marine and renewables industries.

With an extensive fabrication facility based on the River Tyne, CFS also operates from strategic quayside and port locations throughout the UK.

A client-focused and innovative approach to delivering successful projects ensures that CFS remains ahead of the curve in meeting the operational needs of its clients.

CEFO Group is an independent private equity investment company that specialises in the acquisition and development of existing market-leading businesses, as well as the creation of new enterprises in sectors with high growth potential.

The group's portfolio encompasses highly entrepreneurial companies driven by strong leadership across multiple sectors including engineering, fabrication, offshore, maritime, automotive, construction and cybersecurity.