The West Coast Eagles Football Club is pleased to announce that its principal community partner BHP Billiton has expanded its relationship with the club by signing on as the West Coast Eagles’ match ball sponsor for season 2012.

BHP Billiton has proudly been the club’s principal community partner for five years, supporting West Coast Eagles youth, education and football programs across the state. Now as the official match ball sponsor as well, BHP Billiton further strengthens its partnership with the West Coast Eagles.

As part of their mission to inspire education through sport, BHP Billiton will this year be providing replica match balls to participants of West Coast Eagles community programs, such as Eagles Rock My School, Eagles Cup and Eagles Faction Footy. The programs aim to encourage students’ attendance, academic achievement and community participation.

And this season, after every victorious West Coast Eagles home match, players will be handing out signed replica BHP Billiton match balls to the loyal supporters in the crowd at Patersons Stadium.

“We’re very happy to have BHP Billiton on board for what promises to be an exciting season ahead,” said West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett.

“Over the course of our community partnership, the club and BHP Billiton have seen some incredibly positive results from our work in the community, WA schools and grassroots football.

“We’re looking forward to building on this already fantastic relationship by having BHP Billiton by our side both on the field and in the community.

“With the support of BHP Billiton, together we hope to continue to make a positive and lasting contribution to the Western Australian community.”