EsterChem, based at Basford Lane Industrial Estate, Leekbrook, will sponsor the Leek first team and their logo now adorns the club shirts at the newly-named EsterChem Park, Cheddleton.

“Just like the rugby club, EsterChem has continued to grow and invest in the local area,” explained managing director Adam Bray. “Our business strategy is supported by continuous investment in people and technology – as demonstrated by the recent completion of a £3 million extension at our Leekbrook plant.

“We’re delighted to be associated with another local success story – Leek Rugby Club has gone from strength to strength in recent years, regularly fielding three senior teams each week and with hundreds of youngsters successfully representing the club and the town in junior competitions.”

Leek RUFC president Gareth Jones commented: “This is a real vote of confidence in Leek rugby from a global leader in their field. We’re hugely grateful to the EsterChem team for their support and will be proud to wear their names on our shirts for the next three seasons.
“Coming on top of our recent success in securing £50,000 of National Lottery investment from Sport England’s protecting playing fields fund, which will help us improve the main pitch at our Cheddleton home, we’re in great shape for the surge of interest in rugby that will come as we move towards the World Cup in England in 2015.”

Adam Bray and the EsterChem team were guests of honour at Leek’s first home league game of the season against Old Saltleians on Saturday 14th September, where they were presented with new club shirts bearing the EsterChem name and logo.