It's not only professionals who are offered big contracts in the world of football, as sticker giants have this week been handed an exciting four year deal by football's governing body.

Panini, the world leader in the sticker collectable and trading card market, are renowned amongst fans and the football community, and the Italian company's UK branch is based on Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells.

Particularly popular around international tournaments, the deal with The Football Association (FA) means the England national team will proudly appear in collections in the official kit for the first time since Euro '96.

Since it formed in 1961, Panini has lead the way for collectables, and later broke onto the scene in the UK with its Football '78 series - launching an obsession for fans of all ages who aimed to complete their collections before others.

Although traditional football stickers and trading cards will form the basis of the partnership, the sticker manufacturers plan to expand into other markets, adding new merchandise including 3D and multimedia format collections.

The FA and Panini are set to offer unique experiences to fans, creating a new 'swap shop' at Wembley Stadium - where fans can compare collections, and have a look at new products.

Stuart Turner, commercial director of The FA said: "We are delighted to have teamed up with Panini. As The FA continues to make significant moves on an international scale, the aligned global plans and expansion is a perfect fit."

He added "As the governing body of football, this partnership will enable The FA to invest in developing more opportunities for people of all ages to play at the grassroots as well as connecting fans with their England heroes - whether first-time or seasoned collectors."

Peter Warsop, Panini group licensing director said: "Panini is delighted to be back working with The FA. Panini is dedicated to its collectors and their aspirations to get authentic and official products .

"The FA agreement completes an important piece of the jigsaw in that as well as the official tournament rights, for such things as EURO 2016, England joins other Federations to ensure 100 per cent authenticity. "

"Panini is also using England Team assets within its official FIFA Women’s World Cup sticker album to be launched in May."