SHORTLISTED for their aptitude, brilliance and dedication to their sport on the Isle of Wight, Red Funnel is supporting eight new clubs this year.
The sports are diverse in range, from underwater hockey to kickboxing.
Boasting the Island's highest attendance for a football match so far this season, East Cowes Vics are delighted to have Red Funnel as one of their most important supporters.
Vics are battling to remain in Division 1 of the Wessex League this season.
Their chairman, Mark Greenslade, said: "We're delighted — firstly, because it's a high profile sponsor, exactly the type we're trying to attract, and it's a great help towards our travel costs for the coming season, which are pretty considerable for a Wessex League side."
One of the Island’s largest and most successful rugby clubs, Ventnor RFC is celebrating its 50th birthday next year.
Struggling in the Counties 3 Hampshire league this season, but who earned bragging rights against Isle of Wight on Saturday, Ventnor are seen by Red Funnel as great advocates for rugby on the Island.
Half a mile away, Ventnor Cricket Club entered the Hampshire League in 1992 and continue to challenge mainland teams home and away.
Red Funnel has supported the club for more than ten years.
The highest performing netball team on the Island, Solent are current Division 1 champions — a title held since 2019.
The team play between September and April as part of the Island League and Southampton Premier League.
This year, Solent aim to cement their Island top spot, while climbing the ranks in the mainland league.
On the road, the NAUT Cycling Club and Race Team train on the Island and have competed (and achieved multiple podiums) in various age groups and categories, across road cycling, time trials, cyclo-cross and mountain biking — much of it across The Solent.
There is a lot going on under the water too, thanks to the Isle of Wight Underwater Hockey Club.
The Island’s only team and one of the largest UK clubs of its kind, is rapidly growing.
The Island team currently has a mixed adult team and a full ladies' team, with a large junior squad coming through the ranks, who compete on the mainland — and even in Europe.
The club recently won a national tournament division, while the ladies' team qualified for the play-offs in their first-ever Women’s National Championships.
A club with more physicality, Isle of Wight Panther Kickboxing, has a 35-year history, established by former British champion, Steve Marsh.
The club is now coached by Dominic Marsh, who ranks fifth in the world.
Dedicated to training members to a high standard and taking them up through the regional and national ranks, the 'Panthers' boast three British champions in their squad.
When it comes to endurance sports, Vectis Academy offers training and competition in triathlon, cycling, swimming and running for a mixed gender team.
Academy athletes compete to a high level in their respective fields — this year aiming for national, European and world age group titles across all disciplines.
The club has its sights on five major endurance events, including the Island Games and the IRONMAN Barcelona.
Red Funnel said: "We look forward to following the journey and successes of the teams as they compete, while promoting the Island — especially on the national and international stages.
"As we look to celebrate the great achievements of Island competitors, we hope our support will aid their transition from local talents to national status."
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