Two of Plymouth’s most recognisable and historic institutions have come together to form a landmark partnership.

Argyle and Babcock International Group have joined forces for a three-year Community Connection partnership, which will see Babcock play a leading role in supporting combined Argyle and Argyle Community Trust activity in the South West.

The partnership is underpinned by naming rights for the Devonport End at Home Park, which, of course, takes its name from the region of the city which houses HM Naval Base Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe, and a cornerstone of the local economy for generations.

The partnership is the first of its kind for Argyle, and is as much a symbol of the club’s ever-growing reputation for social action as it is for on-field success. In addition to naming rights for the Babcock Devonport End, the international defence company will anchor an agenda of community engagement, including the annual Community Cup, Christmas food hamper deliveries, and community connection programme.

The suite of activities will see Babcock enable additional Argyle Community Trust activity in 15 Plymouth schools per year, tailoring a programme of physical, educational and social activities towards communities who need them most, with an additional 450 children engaged with every calendar year.

The alignment of Argyle’s Values with those of Babcock paved the way for the agreement, with both organisations being integral to the overall economic and cultural wellbeing of the city of Plymouth and surrounding region.

The maritime traditions and heritage of our city run through both organisations, with centuries of seafaring and naval industry at the heart of our identity. In contemporary times, Plymouth’s place as a strategic naval hub for the nation has remained constant, supported by Babcock’s vital contribution.

Throughout the partnership, Argyle will work with the renowned defence firm to provide greater insight to the valuable contribution that Babcock makes in the community, and deliver further growth opportunities for Argyle, Babcock, and the wider community.

James Greenacre, Argyle’s Head of Commercial Operations, said: “We are delighted to have brought this partnership to life – it has taken a great deal of commitment from all sides to come to this point and it is a tremendously exciting partnership.

“Babcock is a company with a substantial global impact and it is credit to everyone at the club – and the Argyle Community Trust – that Argyle has become the sort of community club that can attract such partnerships.

“We know that Babcock’s commitment to making a positive impact in the local community matches our own. As a partnership, we can take that good work even further.”

James Smith, Senior Programme Manager at Devonport (pictured), said: “As a major employer in the region, we have a strong connection to our local community and the area in which many of our people live and work. Supporting our local community firmly aligns with our long-term commitment to the area and we are pleased to be joining forces with Plymouth Argyle to deliver a range of community engagement and connection activities.”

Babcock International Group is currently recruiting for a number of roles at its Devonport base. Find out more about the exciting career opportunities available through the Babcock vacancies portal.

For more information about Babcock, visit their website.