National Team Managers Eileen Gleeson and Heimir Hallgrimsson were on hand as Circle K launched Kits for Clubs, a competition for grassroots clubs across the country to win new football kits for their teams.
The forecourt retailer is the sponsor of the FAI Club Mark programme, and this doubles down on its grassroots reach.
Clubs entering for the ability to win four sets of Circle K kit for teams within their club have to be accredited with the Club Mark, incentivising the best in class when it comes to operation and governance.
The promotion will run in three-week cycles on six regional radio stations across the country – Galway Bay FM, Live 95FM, FM 104, Cork’s 96FM, WLRFM and LMFM – between now and May 2025, with further promotion of the competition taking place at Circle K sites and on social media in each region, giving clubs in all 26 counties the opportunity to enter and win.
On week one of each regional competition, club members will be encouraged to enter by completing a form on the participating station’s website. A random draw will shortlist 10 clubs in week two, and in week three listeners and Circle K store visitors will vote for their shortlisted club, with the top three in each region winning four sets of kit for their teams in their club colours.
In May, one club from all those that enter will be selected to win the grand prize of the VIP training session and meet and greet with the Irish men’s national team.
This is the latest grassroots football initiative from Circle K, who last year gave €100,000 to clubs across the country as part of their Circle K Grassroots Giveaway.
“Circle K is very proud to play a role in supporting grassroots football through our partnership with the FAI,” said Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland.
“Following on from the huge success of our Grassroots Giveaway initiative last year, we’re very excited to announce Circle K Kits for Clubs.”
“Not only will it offer clubs the chance to win fabulous new kits, but one lucky club will win the opportunity to watch a training session and meet with the Irish men’s national team.”
“The pride and enjoyment that pulling on your club jersey brings is the most important part of a player’s experience in our game,” added FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott.
“This great initiative from Circle K will help clubs to bring that to our game. With over 70% of our clubs on the journey to achieving their Club Mark Award, the programme continues to grow thanks to the partnership with Circle K.”
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