Netherlands-based football club Fortuna Sittard has announced a partnership with Dutch organisation ECV esports.
Fortuna Sittard is set to compete in the Dutch competition eDivisie on FIFA 19, its new partner will go on the hunt for a player to compete for the club and will train the new recruit.
Jim Lehmann, Owner of ECV esports commented on the new partnership: “After several conversations with the club, we are convinced that we can create something beautiful at Fortuna Sittard. The club is doing everything it can to develop itself into a stable Eredivisie club and also shows that it takes the potential of esports seriously. We are therefore glad that we are able to accompany the club in this challenge.”
Fortuna Sittard was reported to be entering esports earlier this year by entering the eDivisie. This esports league is owned and ran by Eredivisie – the Dutch premier league – first kicking off last year on February 6th. All 18 Eredivisie clubs take part in the esports version of the competition.
Jesse Smedts Marketing and Sales at Fortuna Sittard further discussed the partnership: “We are pleased to take our first steps in the esports world. In the coming weeks, we will continue to flesh out the process. With the professional approach of ECV esports, I look forward to the future with great confidence!”
ECV eports has competed in League of Legends, Overwatch, StarCraft II, and FIFA, and is partnered with the likes of Logitech G, Targus, Evale Ware, Verantwoord Gamen, and Van Diepien Van der Kroef.
Nick Verheijen, Marketing and Sales at Fortuna Sittard added: “Esports is still an unknown area for us, but we see the enormous (commercial) possibilities that it entails. Think of the binding of a younger target group, but also to bind a new segment of companies to the club. With the guidance of ECV esports we are convinced that we will make esports a success at Fortuna Sittard.”
Esports Insider says: While this isn’t Fortuna Sittard’s first esports effort, it’s cool to see it employ an organisation with years of experience to find a suitable player for the upcoming FIFA 19 season. This seems like a sensible decision, and allows those endemic to esports to find somebody that truly fits the club and what it’s aiming to achieve in the eDivisie.