The US Soccer national governing body has entered into a partnership with insect repellent brand Cutter.
US Soccer’s dedicated marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing, struck the multi-year partnership with the pet, home and gardening division of Spectrum Brands, Cutter’s parent company.
The deal names Cutter as the official insect repellent of US Soccer, the US men’s and women’s national teams, and the National Women’s Soccer League.
It is hoped the partnership will increase awareness of Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to cases of microcephaly, which can lead to anomalies during pregnancies. South America has been most affected by the outbreak of the disease, although several cases have also been reported in the US.
Under the agreement, Cutter will be granted advertising exposure during games and other promotional rights, while the two parties will also organise in-market activities.
“Given recent publicity regarding the Zika virus, the continued concern about mosquito-borne illnesses is understandable,” Eric Kenney, vice-president of home and garden marketing at Spectrum Brands, said.
“Through our partnership with US Soccer and the National Women's Soccer League, our Cutter brand will strive to help everyone, from soccer parents and fans to world-class athletes, learn how to better protect themselves from mosquitoes for more than 50 years.”
The United States will compete in the men’s and women’s football tournaments at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Zika has been a major issue for organisers of the summer Games.