What's the news?
Women's football in Ireland has received a boost with the announcement that German tyre manufacturer Continental is to become title sponsor of the FAI Women's National League. It will now be titled Continental Tyres Women's National League. In addition to becoming title sponsor of the league, the company will also lend its name to the Continental Tyres Women's FAI Cup, Continental Tyres Women's Senior FAI Cup and the FAI's Elite Camps that seek out and develop emerging talent in the sport.
Commenting on the announcement, Guy Frobisher, Continental's Marketing Director for Region North, said: "Continental has a long history of supporting football at every level from senior international through to club level and right down to grass roots and community football programmes, so we are delighted to extend that support to Ireland by becoming the official partner of women's football here."
The new deal is a significant boost for the Football Association of Ireland and its CEO, John Delaney, said: "We are very happy to bring Continental Tyres on board as official sponsor of women's football in Ireland. Through the FAI's Women's Football Development plan, a lot of work has been done to grow participation numbers at all levels and that has paid real dividends. Continental Tyres has a strong track record of association with the women's game internationally and they will make excellent title sponsors of our National League and Cup competitions to help us bring the women's game forward."
Anything else?
Continental Tyres has already had a long association with the world of football and has been an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup as well as the UEFA Euro Championship. It is currently also the official partner of women's football in England and title sponsor of the Continental Cup.