You have to admire the left-field thinking that is going into partnerships at some of our SSE Airtricity League clubs.
The latest to raise an appreciative eyebrow is Shelbourne FC’s announcement of the world’s first forest dedicated to a football club – the Red Wood, as part of a significantly expanded partnership with Cloudforests, a leading Irish climate action company focused on forest creation and environmental protection.
The Red Wood will grow through 2022 and beyond with a tree being planted with every goal that Shelbourne’s Men’s and Women’s teams score next year. Last season that would have meant 49 from the Men’s team’s winning campaign in the First Division and another 65 from the Women’s team in winning the Women’s National League.
The Red Wood will be located in County Clare, along the Wild Atlantic Way. The number of Oak, Rowan, Alder and Birch trees planted will be added to by Shelbourne fans who will be able to gift a tree online from next week.
As part of the agreement, Cloudforests will feature as front of jersey sponsor for Shelbourne FC’s U17 and U19 Men’s National League teams.
Progress of the growth of Red Wood will be exhibited as part of a digital media campaign with Cloudforests and the forest can also be viewed 24/7 on a dedicated live stream via Cloudforests.ie. That could be a calming ten minutes to take out of your day if you are a fan.
“We are really thrilled to grow our relationship with Bernard and Cloudforests into 2022,” said Commercial; Director at the club Keith McDarby.
“We have some great things planned with Cloudforests for next season to make the club more sustainable and we’ll be sharing these as the season goes on. This is a massive step for the club and something we’re all really excited about.”
“Following on from our successful partnership with the U-17 academy squad last year, we are delighted to further build on this relationship with Shelbourne FC, added Bernard Pender, CEO at Cloudforests.
“We are excited to further enhance our support of the underage set-ups while creating a real climate action initiative in partnership with the club.”
“This will be a forest creation that will help the club and the planet. This partnership will assist Shelbourne in becoming a leader in sustainability and in becoming Ireland’s first truly sustainable Sports Club.”
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The League of Ireland is making a mark in sustainable initiatives with SSE Airtricity promoting an excellent programme through the season and Bohemian becoming the first club to appoint a climate action officer.
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