Football in Northern Ireland has been given a boost today with the news that the Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS) is again sponsoring the Irish League Cup.
CIS has signed an extension deal following a very successful first season last year that saw the status of the competition raised to unprecedented heights.
The insurance giant also sponsors the Scottish League Cup and is determined to make a big impact on the other side of the Irish Sea.
The innovative format – and the sponsors – drew praise from the manager of last year’s champions, David Jeffrey of Linfield – and he insists that isn’t just because his team beat cross-town rivals Glentoran 3-1 in the final.
That of course made winning the trophy all the sweeter but the Windsor Park supremo said: ‘That victory also maintained our unique record of having won the trophy in the first year of every new sponsor.
‘That apart, I liked the new set-up. The involvement of CIS has brought a new vitality to the competition.
‘There are sponsors and sponsors. Some invest money then take a step back – not CIS. They became totally involved from the start showing tremendous enthusiasm and commitment.
‘They also demonstrated a steely determination to get things right and were truly professional in the manner in which they went about promoting it.’
Martin Clarke, CIS’s general manager (marketing), said: ‘We’re delighted to renew the CIS Insurance Cup sponsorship and look forward to another highly successful and rewarding association with the Irish Football League.
‘The Irish League Cup is a superb addition to our sponsorship portfolio. CIS values its business and customers in Northern Ireland and we are very pleased to be involved with this prestigious competition.
‘The tournament last year was a resounding success and we’re confident that this year will be no exception. That’s our goal and we’ll be committing ourselves wholeheartedly to the venture.’
Irish League president Jim Semple said: ‘Last year we introduced the refreshing new regionalised format with something for everyone. The host of derby matches generated a lot of interest and gave First Division clubs the opportunity to upstage their Premier Division neighbours and rivals.
‘It’s good too that matches should be played early in the season to avoid the worst of the winter weather. It also helps to avoid fixture congestion for clubs competing in the Irish Cup. We believe the idea of clubs having a choice of dates is also a good one.’
For further information please contact:
Louise Woodier
Sponsorship Officer
Co-operative Society Limited
T: 0161 837 5657
M: 07798 847 581
E: louise.woodier@cis.co.uk