CANTERBURY City FC have signed a five-figure, two-year sponsorship deal with P&O Ferries ahead of their first season back in senior football.

The revived club - which has won a place in Division 2 East of the British Energy Kent County Football League - have hailed the deal as one of the biggest in non-league football.

Chairman Phil Knight said: “With due respect to all non-league clubs who usually rely on sponsorship from comparatively small companies, this arrangement is with an internationally-recognised organisation that has shown great faith in our commitment to provide football for the community."

He added: “Their credibility and status is hugely important to us, in some ways more important than the cash they have offered to help us achieve our objectives, though I must say the money is very welcome - the cost of setting up a club with widespread commitments is substantial.”

The firms Director of Sales and Marketing, Simon Johnson, said: “We’re proud to be in at the start of something very special that I believe will become a role model for clubs all over the country.

“Of course, much focus will be on the first team, but it’s the club’s broad base that really appeals to us – seven other competitive sides with more to follow, taking sport into the heart of the community.

“Community interest is even written into the club’s constitution; it’s fundamental to them, which is a first as far as I am aware.”

P&O spokesman Brian Rees added: “It’s being involved at the very start which caught our eye. BY getting so many teams together so early on, ladies, boys, girls, this become all about encouraging people to play sport as well as watch.”

City is set up as a Community Interest Company, which means each year they have to prove to Government inspectors that they are doing what they promised to do for the people of Canterbury.

P&O Ferries' only current sports sponsorship deal is with rugby league Superleague giants Hull FC.

A six-figure, one-year deal was announced at the start of 2006 and within six months was extended to cover 2007 and 2008.

In return for their backing of City, P&O Ferries will have their name and logo on all the club’s on and off pitch sportswear.

Knight explained: “As our club expands, so the necessity for a reliable cash flow increases. The support of P&O Ferries, together with various grants we have already secured, will help offset that expenditure.”

Chairman Phil Knight said: “It will be fantastic to have the name of Canterbury City associated with this famous nation-wide competition so soon after the club has been revived.”