Women's football in N. Ireland secures major sponsorship deal

Women's football in Northern Ireland has received a major boost with the announcement of Concentrix as the new sponsor for girls and women's league football in the province.

Initially for a one year period, the sponsorship deal will involve naming rights for the six senior leagues and the small sided junior leagues. In addition, the collaboration will provide opportunities for the NIWFA to expand its online activity on Facebook and Twitter by harnessing the expertise and experience of the Concentrix employees in relation to social media.

Representing Concentrix, Catherine Clayton, HR Director for the company commented: "We are delighted to sign this sponsorship deal with the NIWFA and we are looking forward to working with them to help develop the game and raise the profile of the girls and women who love to play football. We are particularly keen to be involved in this sport as we are eager to promote health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland and to provide community engagement through the medium of women's football".

Tara Lynne O’Neill (Northern Ireland actress), Nadene Caldwell (Vice captain of Glentoran Belfast United), Catherine Clayton (HR Director of Concentrix), Lynsey Patterson (Vice Captain of Crusaders Strikers) and Sue O’Neill (Chair of NIWFA).

Picture: Stephen Hamilton

NIWFA Chairwoman Sue O'Neill expressed her delight at securing the sponsorship deal and highlighted the importance of investments in women's football to help drive the game forward: "This sponsorship deal with Concentrix illustrates the growth of the game locally in Northern Ireland and the willingness of major companies to get involved with girls and women's football", she said.

"The profile of the female game in the UK hit new heights following the London Olympics and in England the FA Women's Super League is reaching unprecedented levels of media attention and sponsorship activity. Although on a smaller scale, we have an amazing product here in Northern Ireland and it is fantastic that Concentrix will work with us over the next year to make the game even better".

Also in attendance at the launch was local actress Tara Lynne O'Neill who is currently appearing in the BBC2 drama "The Fall". Ms O'Neill is a huge supporter of women’s football and recently secured a grant from the Arts Council to write a play on the game in Northern Ireland.

Further information about women's football in Northern Ireland can be found at www.niwfa.org.