The change

At the start of the 2022/23 season, Isuzu UK launched a three-year partnership with the English FA as a headline sponsor of two leading non-league competitions, the FA Vase and FA Trophy. We ran content across all of Isuzu UK’s social channels, testing the water to see which yielded the most engagement and reach.

After a fairly quiet first season, we spotted an opportunity to gain more exposure for non-league football, thanks in part to Wrexham FC’s Hollywood takeover. X was the perfect platform for ‘Isuzu FC’ content, with video performing best. Our strategy for the 23/24 season was ‘Partnerships, Branding, Story’. Collaborating with influential partners and telling an engaging story that resonated with Isuzu’s positioning ensured we achieved all three goals, all wrapped up in premier level style.

A full-page print magazine ad mock up featuring a red Isuzu D-Max pickup alongside a footballer dribbling on a dramatic, floodlit pitch shrouded in mist. The bold headline reads "THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL", supported by official FA competition logos in the top corner and website call-to-actions alongside Euro NCAP safety ratings along the footer.
A tablet and smartphone mock up displaying Isuzu FC social media video posts on X (Twitter) featuring match coverage and fan activation stories.
A 5x5 grid displaying twenty-five video content thumbnails across multiple episodic series for the Isuzu FC campaign.
A digital tablet mock up displaying an Isuzu FC email newsletter announcement for the live-streamed FA Vase and FA Trophy Quarter-Final draw.
A laptop mock up displaying digital web display banners for the Isuzu FC campaign across standard leader board and sidebar ad placements.
A split-panel merchandise asset. The left side displays a matte red gradient reusable water bottle with white "#IsuzuFC" typography running vertically along the side. The right side shows an overhead view of a player standing on a grass pitch, wearing red-to-burgundy gradient football socks featuring the white "#IsuzuFC" hashtag and teal football boots.
A 3D digital mock up displaying the front and back views of a red and black Isuzu-sponsored football kit.
A multi-tile digital media showcase featuring various branded video thumbnails for Isuzu FC against a dark background. The central hero tile highlights a player in an orange Isuzu kit for "1 ON 1 WITH STUART PEARCE" and "FOOTBALL SHIRT FRIDAY," surrounded by smaller episodic cards for recurring series including "ON THE ROAD," "AWAY DAYS PICK-UP," and "REAL LIFE FOOTBALL HEROES," all unified by a red-and-white angular layout.
A pitch-side display board showcasing Isuzu FC's "Away Days Pick-Up" campaign in partnership with Location Football.

438’s work on Isuzu’s partnerships, especially the FA, has been exceptionally proactive and meticulously planned. The strategy went beyond mere entertainment, offering a comprehensive approach that covers all bases throughout the campaign period, with unique ideas. By addressing every aspect of the partnership, 438 has significantly enhanced our ability to communicate our brand values and messages effectively.

Ben Wabe-Smith – Digital Marketing Manager, Isuzu UK
A circular Isuzu sponsorship decal applied to a concrete wall, featuring the campaign slogan "The Driving Force Behind Non-League Football."
A series of vertical Isuzu and FA Trophy event flags flying on tall flagpoles against a clear blue sky.
A four-panel graphic showcase presenting distinct sub-campaign title cards against textured red gradient backgrounds. The cards display bold white typography for "AWAY DAYS PICK-UP", "ON THE ROAD", "REAL LIFE FOOTBALL HEROES", and the primary campaign hashtag "#IsuzuFC".
A macro shot of the "#IsuzuFC" campaign hashtag printed in white brush script across a red mesh athletic fabric.
An eight-tile social media grid showcase featuring bespoke co-branded assets for partner non-league clubs, including Solihull Moors FC, Worcester City FC, and Bromley FC. Each square graphic applies individual club colourways while maintaining unified Isuzu FC branding through consistent typography, red corner-flag iconography, official club crests, and the "#IsuzuFC" hashtag.
A studio broadcast still of ambassador Stuart Pearce conducting an official cup draw alongside a co-host next to the Isuzu FA Trophy.
A multi-angle production collage capturing the live broadcast setup for the Isuzu FA Vase and FA Trophy Quarter Final Draw.
A custom miniature Isuzu D-Max pickup truck carrying a match football on a stadium pitch during a sports sponsorship activation event.

Client

  • Isuzu UK

Deliverables

  • Art Direction
  • Communications Planning
  • Digital Marketing
  • Film Production
  • Multi-channel Campaigns
  • Partnership Activation
  • Social Media

Additional Credits

  • N/A

Our Projects
See all work

Ecolab
Isuzu UK
XPENG