The AFL is pleased to announce that sports drink Gatorade will continue as the AFL’s Official Hydration Partner for the next three years.
In a further extension of their partnership, Gatorade will also become the Official Hydration Partner for the NAB AFL Women’s Competition.
The partnership will see Gatorade work closely with AFL and NAB AFLWomen’s players to assist them in reaching optimal health and performance, both on and off the field, through the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). Partnering with leading scientists and universities around the world, the GSSI will help educate and advise athletes on the effects of exercise, environment, nutrition and hydration on the body.
GSSI was founded in 1985 and its scientists study the effects of nutrition on the human body before, during and after exercise. For more than three decades, thousands of amateur, elite and professional athletes have participated in testing with GSSI and in studies with university research partners around the world.
AFL General Manager of Commercial Richard Simkiss welcomed the renewal with Gatorade.
“We’re thrilled to have renewed our partnership with Gatorade, an instantly recognisable global brand, for the next three years,” Mr Simkiss said.
“Not only does this partnership continue to support us financially in the non-alcoholic beverage category, but it also supports the athletes of Australia’s great game, supplying one of the most scientifically researched and game-tested sports drinks in the world.
“The NAB AFL Women’s partnership comes at a great time, as we make history with the AFLW competition.
“We look forward to continuing this great partnership for the years to come.”
PepsiCo ANZ CEO Robbert Rietbroek said: “We are excited about continuing our partnership with the clubs and supporting AFL players to stay fuelled and help improve their performance. AFL is arguably one of Australia’s most physically demanding sports requiring high levels of speed, strength and endurance and we’re committed to supporting the elite performance of these players.
“Hydration and fuelling are key to keeping athletes at their best, both in training and on game day. More than fifty years of sports science research has gone into Gatorade, making it the perfect partner for AFL - it’s about like minded people striving for the common goal of excellence and innovation.”
Gatorade will be used used by all 18 clubs across both men’s and women’s divisions. In addition, Gatorade will also be working closely with brand ambassadors Scott Pendlebury, Gary Ablett and Luke Parker.
Created at the Unviersity of Florida in 1965 and scientifically formulated to fuel and hydrate athletes, Gatorade has established itself as one of the world’s leading sports drinks, helping athletes perform at their best across a range of different sports globally.
