May 30 – New Balance has added its first European national team to its roster, picking up the kit sponsorship of the Republic of Ireland (FAI) national team from the start of the 2017/18 season. The US sportswear firm is also sponsor of Costa Rica and Panama.
New Balance take over from Umbro and will supply all Ireland teams from senior through to age group levels with kit, training apparel and equipment from August 2017.
Ireland are currently in the final stages of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup while the senior women’s team are preparing for their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification matches.
John Delaney, FAI CEO, said: “The Football Association of Ireland is delighted to announce this relationship for our international teams. The Republic of Ireland jersey is recognisable all around the world and is synonymous with the passion that our players and our supporters are renowned for. We’re looking forward to revealing the New Balance kits that will be worn by all of our competitive national teams as they enter a very exciting time for international football.”
Last week New Balance knocked out Nike when it took over the Athletic Bilbao sponsorship to supply the squad with kit, training wear and equipment from the 2017/18 season in a six-year deal. They joined Liverpool, Celtic, FC Porto, Sevilla and LOSC Lille as New Balance teams.
Jonathan Courtenay, Managing Director of the Irish distributor for football for New Balance, said: “We are delighted to collaborate on this exciting agreement with both New Balance and the FAI. We are looking forward to unveiling the new Ireland kits, training and leisure wear over the coming months.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714049909labto1714049909ofdlr1714049909owedi1714049909sni@n1714049909osloh1714049909cin.l1714049909uap1714049909