SWINDON Wildcats have announced their intention to secure a title sponsor for next season, with funds from the proposal set to benefit the club’s improving youth-development scheme.

The club’s vision was announced on social media, with the Link Centre outfit claiming their National League status can help businesses meet goals and objectives through national exposure.

Figures issued by the club claim exposure at the rink can reach up to 250,000 people per year, while social media reach is north of six million.

General manager Steve Nell said additional funds – as a direct result of the title sponsor position being filled – will be invested back into the club, helping to translate younger players’ roles from development hockey to the senior game.

He said: “There will be a financial benefit to the club, that will allow us to invest more into the club’s development and structure.

“We really want to develop our second team – to do that is key as we need to make sure our young players have somewhere to play.

“The second team can be used as a stepping stone for the first team.

“Making the club a better place for the younger players to develop is certainly a goal of ours.”

Currently, more than 200 Wiltshire youngsters aged between four and 17 are part of Wildcats’ junior programme – the biggest of its kind in the country.

The club has pushed its community involvement for the last 15 years - regularly visiting schools and local attractions to spread the word regarding hockey in Wiltshire.

History was made this season as the club lifted its first-ever league title under the Wildcats name, while last year saw the Autumn Cup and National Trophy secured.

In addition, attendances continue to rise, with Nell expecting 1,300 spectators to turn out for this weekend’s regional play-off semi-final against Bracknell Bees.

The Cats' GM said that securing a title sponsor will help push the club forward to its next group of targets.

He added: “I don’t believe you can just sit back and settle for what you have got, it’s important we try and push the club to the next level.

“We’re always looking to improve the club both on and off the ice. That’s the club’s ambition for the next few years, to keep getting better.

“Our community reach is the result of 15 years of work, it’s not something that happens overnight.

“Whether it’s doing assemblies in schools or bringing kids to the rink – the community side is a big focus.

“I think it’s paying dividends, we’re getting plenty of young players into our academy teams.”