At the end of June, it was announced telecom giants Vodafone had agreed to sponsor the Isle of Scilly Football League. The move was giant a coup for the league especially due to it being the world’s smallest football league.
The Isle of Scilly Football League has been contested since the 1920s despite having just a pair of clubs competing for the league trophy.
The world’s smallest football league
The Isle of Scilly Football League is unique as there are only two teams that compete in it. The competition takes place from November to March with the league’s clubs — the Woolpack Wanderers and Garrison Gunners — playing 17 times. Some seasons have seen them compete against one another in fewer matches.
You may ask yourself why there are only two teams in the Isle of Scilly Football League. That is due to the 2,200 people who live on the five islands that make it up. Scilly is located just 28 miles off the English coast in the south and much of the property is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. House prices are expensive and many people have moved away from the island due to a lack of jobs.
Major investment for the world’s smallest football league
Although Vodafone has jumped on board for the next two seasons as the league’s official sponsor, the Isle of Scilly Football League does resemble a Sunday league competition. The pitch doesn’t have stands and players seem to help out with preparing the ground before matches.
This season’s games will be streamed over 5G showcasing the league’s two teams. Vodafone will also help the league launch the first ever crowdsourced fan assistant referee system.
Vodafone’s work in the Isle of Scilly will improve the archipelago’s tourism appeal. It may also bring more football players and fans to the league’s games.
Major investment could improve the league’s future. With many of the younger generations relocating to the British mainland, players are moving away from the Isle of Scilly in droves. The world’s smallest football league could be greatly affected by the lack of young people living on, staying, and moving to the island. The future and longevity of the football league could depend on their new sponsorship deal.