The FAI has announced this afternoon that Circle K, the forecourt and convenience retailer, is to become its Official Fuel and Convenience partner.
The deal also extends to their becoming a partner of the Men’s and Women’s National Teams and title sponsor of FAI Club Mark.
Circle K operates 420 stations and stores across the country, 169 of which it owns and the remainder of which are a partnership with local independent retailers, a similar model to that of SuperValu.
Circle K replaces Spar on the FAI sponsorship roster. They had been on board for six years as partners of the FAI Primary 5’s but this is understood to be an expanded partnership with a greater return for the FAI.
As part of the deal, Circle K will become the first commercial sponsor of the FAI Club Mark, an awards programme for best practice in the governance, management and administration of grassroots football clubs nationwide.
The aim of the FAI Club Mark is to provide clubs with a road map to good governance, reward clubs for achieving and maintaining high standards, recognise clubs for their commitment and achievements and help grow football in communities across the country.
This reach out in a specific way to local communities was considered to be an important element of the partnership.
Men’s senior national team manager Stephen Kenny, as well as men’s senior player John Egan and women’s senior player Abbie Larkin, were involved in the photoshoot launching the deal, alongside young players from Also in attendance were young players from Hartstown Huntstown FC, which was awarded the FAI Club Mark in 2021.
“We understand and acknowledge the important role local football clubs play in communities across Ireland and are proud to partner with the FAI to support grassroots football and our national teams,” said Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland.
“Customers should keep an eye on our social media channels over the coming months for details of how the public can get involved with our new partnership and lend their support to grassroots football nationwide.”
“We are really pleased to welcome Circle K on board as our Official Fuel and Convenience Partner for the coming four years,” added Jonathan Hill, CEO of the FAI.
“This partnership will support the Association and our national teams as we enter an exciting period on the pitch with the European qualifiers and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
“Circle K has an exceptionally strong presence in Irish communities and our shared ambition for Circle K’s sponsorship of the FAI Club Mark programme is to provide support to football clubs throughout the country to ensure good governance and recognise those operating at the highest standards within the game.”
