Zilch, the consumer payments platform, has announced a multi-year agreement with Arsenal Football Club.

The global partnership, which marks Zilch’s first foray into sports, spans both men’s and women’s teams, and will make Zilch’s range of flexible payment options available to Arsenal supporters.

Zilch says it does not offer high-cost credit within its payment platform, instead rewarding customers for their retail spend. The agreement will offer Arsenal supporters benefits every time they spend, including retail product discounts, free tickets and hospitality opportunities.

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club, said: “Zilch is a new and exciting proposition with an industry-leading brand that will put our supporters at the heart of everything we want to achieve together.”

Zilch research shows that 75% of football supporters say being able to buy an official shirt every year makes them feel closer to their team and increases their enjoyment of the sport. It says the purchase rewards available to Arsenal fans are designed with supporters in mind.

Philip Belamant, CEO and Co-Founder of Zilch, said: “The club has a hugely engaged supporter-base, and at a time when sports brands are looking at partners to help bring supporters closer to them and deepen the supporter experience, this partnership aligns perfectly. It is a monumental partnership that sees us not only provide a range of ways to pay for Arsenal supporters, but will strengthen their passion for the team they love even more.”

Earlier this month, Zilch announced it had raised over $176.7million in its latest funding round to fuel innovation and platform enhancements, while increasing its brand visibility and reach.