AFC Bournemouth has appointed ESET as its official cybersecurity partner.

ESET, a cybersecurity firm with UK headquarters in Bournemouth, will bolster the football club's defences as it prepares for the new Premier League season and finalises construction of its new training ground.

AFC Bournemouth is one of many clubs increasing its digital footprint to enhance the experiences of fans and players.

Recognising the hazards that can come with such digital expansion, the club has tapped into the cybersecurity expertise of ESET.

ESET brings significant industry experience, including its role as IT security partner of German football team, Borussia Dortmund.

AFC Bournemouth will utilise ESET’s 'PROTECT Elite' package with 'Detection and Response Ultimate' services for 350 devices, ensuring the safety of players, fans and the club's multi-million-pound new training ground.

Armed with ESET's threat intelligence team and innovative technology, the club will benefit from 'proactive 24/7 expert-led threat hunting and response'.

This partnership is an extension of an already established five-year relationship between ESET and AFC Bournemouth.

The cybersecurity company had been a partner of the club’s Community Sports Trust and also supports the AFC Bournemouth’s women's football team as its regional partner.

ESET assists in providing digital matchday content for the men’s first team and sponsoring matchday streams for non-first team fixtures played at Vitality Stadium.

The head of IT at AFC Bournemouth, Stefan du Plooy, said: "AFC Bournemouth is at a very exciting point in its history.

"This season is going to represent a new era for the club as years of investment pay off and we open our brand-new training ground.

"Working alongside expert partners like ESET to ensure these investments are kept secure is crucial, not only for the club but our players and fans on an individual level too.

"We are thrilled to be strengthening our relationship with ESET by deploying its innovative technology and working alongside its team of cybersecurity experts."

ESET’s UK country manager, Matt Knell, said: "Defence is becoming ever-more critical off the pitch, but it will be our job to ensure the team can focus wholly on what happens on the pitch.

"We very much look forward to working alongside the club this coming season to make it a success all round."