A local business has joined forces with the Newcastle Jets in a major community partnership.

In a landmark agreement for both parties, Greater Building Society has committed to be the major partner of the Jets’ new community engagement strategy and platform – to be known as ‘JETS: CONNECT’ – for the next two years.

JETS: CONNECT, fuelled by The Greater, has been designed to ensure that the club’s players, coaches, staff, and brand are highly visible in a variety of communities in and around Newcastle the Hunter and Northern NSW.

The JETS: CONNECT program will feature a pre-season tour, primary school visits, junior football clinics, and charitable components, sharpening the club’s focus and commitment in the community.

This follows recent feedback from extensive engagement with Jets’ members and fans.

JETS: CONNECT will officially commence this month when the club’s senior squad and staff departs Newcastle on a six-day pre-season tour of Northern NSW. Newcastle Jets Chief Executive Officer Mr Mitchell Murphy praised the Greater for believing in and backing the club’s community plan.

“The Greater is a highly recognised and respected organisation within Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and wider NSW,” Mitchell said. “As a club we’re thrilled that The Greater has opted to share in our mission to positively influence people and their community’s through football.”

The Greater’s Acting CEO Greg Taylor said the JETS: CONNECT partnership aligns closely with The Greater’s core values. “We are proud history of giving back to our community, not shareholders,” Mr Taylor said.

“The Greater shares the Jets’ values of being united with the community and acting with integrity in our dealings. “Football is the number one participation sport in our region and we hope that our contribution will see the communities number one team connect even more closely with families, schools, local football clubs and charities. “As a leading business in the Hunter we are privileged to do our part in making the Jets more accessible to the community, inspiring young boys and girls to be active.”

The JETS: CONNECT program follows other recent support for the Club from the business community. Beechwood Homes has signed up to be a “home game” major sponsor.

Jets’ head coach Scott Miller, Greater Building Society deputy CEO Greg Taylor, Jets’ CEO Mitch Murphy and The Greater’s head of marketing Matt Hingston.