By Claire Reilly

SYDNEY, NSW: Whitegoods manufacturer Whirlpool yesterday announced that it will be sponsoring the Melbourne-based soccer team Melbourne Heart Football Club for the next two years.

Speaking about the partnership, Whirlpool’s general manager of marketing David Graham said the sponsorship represented Whirlpool’s commitment to Australian communities and grass-roots sport.

“We see the Melbourne Heart as a community-minded club and, with our shared values and ambitions, look forward to developing and cultivating a long standing partnership,” said Graham.

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“This relationship cements Whirlpool’s commitment to building a genuine onnection with the community and the mums behind Australia’s largest participation sport. Grassroots sport is an integral part of Australian life and we have designed appliances, such as the Whirlpool 10kg Sports Washer, that support the role mums play in facilitating this,” he said.

Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn concurred with Graham, saying the partnership with Whirpool was a good match. “Whirlpool shares our dedication and enthusiasm to providing significant and tangible support to grassroots sports, making them a fantastic partner for our club,” he said.

The Melbourne Heart Football Club has played in the Australian A-League competition since 2010. The league, now in its seventh year, will kick off round one games this weekend, with the Melbourne Heart set to face off against the Newcastle Jets at Newcastle’s Ausgrid Stadium.