Belfast-based Structured Asset-Based Lending (ABL) specialist, Upstream ABL, has strengthened its community commitment by sponsoring Belfast Royal Academy’s Medallion team as it prepares for the start of this year’s Medallion Shield rugby tournament.
The partnership will see the Upstream ABL logo proudly displayed on the team’s new training kit as players, coaches and supporters prepare for the season ahead.
Belfast Royal Academy has a long-standing connection with the Medallion competition. The school was one of the original four schools involved in establishing the competition in 1909, ahead of its first tournament the following year. The school’s proud rugby tradition continues today, with recent success in the Medallion Bowl adding to its sporting heritage.
For Upstream ABL, the sponsorship reflects the company’s wider commitment to strengthening communities across Northern Ireland and investing in the people and opportunities that help those communities thrive.
Azem Hanif, Credit & Risk Director at Upstream ABL, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Belfast Royal Academy’s Medallion team as they prepare for the 2026/27 season. Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, build confidence and develop qualities such as teamwork, resilience and ambition.
“Belfast Royal Academy has such a proud rugby heritage, and we’re very excited to play a part in the team’s journey. For us, community support is about more than sponsorship – it’s about investing in people, encouraging ambition and helping the next generation succeed.
“We wish the players, coaches and everyone involved the very best for the season ahead. We’ll be right behind them.”
Upstream ABL
The new partnership also reflects a shared belief in the importance of bringing generations together through teamwork, sport, business and shared success.
Upstream ABL specialises in Structured Asset Based Lending – practical, flexible finance solutions that help ambitious businesses across the UK and Ireland grow with confidence by unlocking the value of their Balance Sheet assets.
Last year, Upstream ABL also announced a multi-season partnership with CIYMS Rugby Football Club and became the main jersey sponsor of the 1st XV Senior Squad. CIYMS Rugby Football Club is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest sporting organisations having celebrated its centenary during the 2022/23 season.
Based at Circular Road in Belmont since 1974, ‘CI’ as its commonly known offers a range of sporting, leisure and social activities for all ages. There are currently 1,600 members of which 800 are children and young adults.
