McAllister Volkswagen, one of the longest operating motor dealers based in North Dublin is to be the new main club sponsor of Shelbourne FC in the Airtricity Premier League.
The dealership will hope to achieve some of the success of the Connolly Volkswagen sponsored Sligo Rovers who won last season’s title and will compete in the UEFA Champions’ League in 2013.
With Bray Wanderers also carrying a Volkswagen dealership on their shirt front, the brand is now supporting 25% of the teams to play in this year’s Airtricity Premier League.
Simon Elliott, CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland sees the link-up between McAllister Volkswagen and Shelbourne FC as an important boost to domestic Irish soccer.
“We are great supporters of Irish soccer here in Volkswagen and we are delighted that there is yet another strong association between one of our Volkswagen dealers, and a top club like Shelbourne FC.”
The club itself is spending a lower budget on players than last year and investing more in youth structures and facilities at Tolka Park.
Club manager Alan Mathews has participated in Sport for Business Round Table events last year through his connection with Ulster Bank and sees the year ahead as being one in which a new group of players will face challenges but will come through.
“I’m delighted with the players we’ve brought in. I’m delighted with players who’ve decided to stay on board,” he said in a recent interview with extratime.ie.
Shelbourne begin their Airtricity Premier League campaign away to Bray Wanderers on Friday 8th March 2013.
Throughout next week Sport for Business will take a look at how each of the competing teams have been preparing off the pitch for the season ahead.
