As part of the build up to Friday’s Liberty Women’s Network Breakfast on the subject of Women’s sport we have spoken to a number of the key sponsors that have come on board in support of Women’s teams and programmes over the last year.
Today we learn from Continental Tyres what it is that prompted their involvement with the Women’s National League in soccer.
What is one of the key things that attracted you towards Women’s sport in terms of your sponsorship portfolio?
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. We were delighted to extend that support to Ireland by becoming the official partner of Women’s football.
You are part of driving greater credibility and awareness of Women’s sport. Is that important to Continental?
Yes, most definitely. We aim to create as much awareness as possible for Women’s football through our FAI partnership programme. Like most countries worldwide, Women’s football in Ireland is a booming strand of Women’s sport and we are keen that our support will reach out to new players at the community level so as to encourage more young girls to get involved.
Do you feel that support and coverage is growing quickly enough or is this going to be a longer term advance?
The FAI is to be commended for the efforts they have dedicated to promoting the game at grassroots level across Ireland. These efforts are paying off with increasing numbers of girls becoming involved and, both at club and international level, Irish women’s football is making its presence felt.
Continental Tyres is fully committed to working with the FAI throughout the sponsorship to further promote and drive greater awareness, interest and membership for women’s football in Ireland.
What would you say are three things that Women’s sport can do for itself to boost its own profile?
By implementing the ContiWarmUp throughout Ireland with clubs and players we can aim to lower the risks of injury and helping players to stay longer in the game and improve performance.
There should be further activity in local communities and at grassroots level to generate interest in women’s football from an early age.
Women’s football must be measured in terms of its benefits to individuals – physically and mentally.
