Hungry Jack’s will partner with the West Coast Eagles’ WAFL team, which is preparing to launch into its inaugural campaign in the prestigious state league competition.

The club’s major partner will don the guernsey of the WAFL Eagles, which becomes the 10th team in an expanded league.

Hungry Jack’s has long supported local and junior sport going back to their days as a key sponsor of the Football Development Trust, which helped hundreds of young footballers reach their dreams.

Now, the iconic Australian brand will help the young WAFL Eagles bring new excitement to a competition that began back in 1885.

The WAFL Eagles, the first new team in the WAFL since 1997, will provide an opportunity for young footballers to play and train alongside the reigning AFL premiers.

West Coast Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett said the club’s investment in a WAFL licence was a crucial part of its long term strategic plan.

“The WAFL is an important and critical competition in the sport, which has paved the way for many footballers entry into the elite level. The league also has an incredibly loyal and passionate fan base, so we see this as a great investment for the club. We are delighted that Hungry Jack’s has extended their support of the club with our new WAFL team.”

Hungry Jack’s will also play a big part in supporting the push to bolster the league in the years to come.

“Hungry Jack’s loves supporting local sport and communities and it’ll be great to see the new Eagles team in the famous WAFL competition,” Hungry jack’s state manager Sam Morton said.

“Hungry Jack’s love of the Eagles is no secret; the iconic logo has graced the blue and gold guernsey for every Eagles’ premiership. This season WA home grown Hungry Jack’s joined the West Coast Eagles to support and grow the club’s new WAFL team and the Perth Football Club to keep the grass root competition strong and give opportunities for more young players. Hungry Jack’s has a long history of supporting junior clubs, and I remember presenting trophies to junior kids with the likes of a young John Worsfold and Fraser Gehrig at Lathlain Park and other WAFL and Junior Football Clubs.

“Hungry Jack’s is a strong advocate for our youth, in the nearly fifty years since the first restaurant opened in Innaloo, Hungry Jack’s has given thousands of young West Australian’s their first job, today they provide employment opportunities to over ten thousand young people across Australia. Hungry Jack’s are soon to open a new store in Carlisle, bringing employment opportunities and support for the community in the town of Victoria Park. When the WCE move into their new home at Mineral Resources Park (Lathlain Park), Hungry Jack’s will be right with them, breathing new life into the Perth Football Club canteen so fans will be able to enjoy a Whopper when they come to support their team during WAFL games, AFLW games and during other community events”.

The WAFL Eagles will play their first match on Saturday, April 6 against the Perth Demons at Mineral Resources Park.