This one-year extension marks the fourth consecutive year of partnership for the 2024/25 season. Mr Anderson’s financial backing has enabled the SPFL Trust’s sponsorship of the competition, after previously backing the SPFL Trust Trophy in recent seasons.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive, said: “The SPFL Trust is a truly valued partner, and we’re pleased to be extending our agreement with them for a further season.

“James Anderson’s ongoing support for Scottish football and this competition is incredible and will help continue to shine a light on the great work of the SPFL Trust and our member clubs across Scotland.

“Everyone at the SPFL is looking forward to the latter stages of this season’s SPFL Trust Trophy and wish the four remaining teams the very best of luck.”

The SPFL Trust uses the rights associated with the competition to highlight the work of clubs and community trusts across the country, as part of its Football Powered strategy.

Nicky Reid, SPFL Trust CEO, added: “We’re grateful to James for his continued support to enable us to sponsor the SPFL Trust Trophy.

“We know the incredible impact that community trusts and associated SPFL clubs have in their communities, but the key thing is we’re able to use the tournament’s platform to share this with many more people.”

The partnership was first agreed during the Covid pandemic in 2020, when Mr Anderson and fellow SPFL Trust benefactors announced a vital £252,000 payout to support clubs as part of its sponsorship of the competition.

Earlier that year he had also donated more than £3 million to help support Scottish football clubs and their surrounding communities during the pandemic, which was distributed via the SPFL Trust.

The new deal announcement comes ahead of the competition’s semi-finals in February. The final of the competition will take place the weekend of 23/24 March.