News Nissan announced as new driving force behind Irish football

Nissan is the new Official Vehicle Partner of the Football Association of Ireland.

Nissan has agreed to supply 55 vehicles from its award winning range to the FAI. The total value of the vehicles is €1.5 million and the partnership agreement will run for the next three years.

The new partnership was announced today (Monday) by Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy and the FAI General Manager, Noel Mooney, ahead of the UEFA European Championship qualifying game against Switzerland on September 5^th.

The Nissan vehicles will be supplied to FAI Development Officers and other personnel to promote and support the development of Irish football at every level in every county across the country, including the next generation of Irish international players.

The fleet of Nissan vehicles includes the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, which is Ireland’s and the world’s best-selling electric vehicle and the Nissan Qashqai, which is Ireland’s best-selling crossover of all time.

“Being the Official Vehicle Partner of the FAI allows Nissan to provide support where it is most needed – at grassroots. We are delighted that our cars will be used to promote the game of soccer to girls and boys of all ages and abilities,” said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland.

“With 450,000 active participants, football is the biggest sport in Ireland and we look forward to providing a fleet of Nissan vehicles to the 50 FAI Development Officers working with schools, clubs and communities across the country to grow and to promote the sport,” he added.

“As the Official Vehicle Partner of the FAI, Nissan will help these Development Officers to engage with as many players, coaches and volunteers as possible and to deliver grassroots programmes that offer everyone the opportunity to play football and to enjoy the game,” he continued.

“Nissan is also a long-standing sponsor of the UEFA Champions League. We are delighted to extend our support for soccer to the national arena and to get behind the Irish team as it continues its campaign to qualify for the UEFA European Championship,” he concluded.

Commenting on the partnership Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy said: “This is a good news day for Irish football. The thousands of young players coached by the FAI’s Development Officers are the lifeblood of Irish football. Thanks to the support of Nissan, these young players will continue to have every chance to develop their skills, to realise their potential and to hopefully play for Ireland.

“Nissan is synonymous with football sponsorship throughout Europe. It is fantastic to see Nissan extend their support to the work that the FAI does at grassroots level in schools, clubs and communities across the country. This partnership puts young players first and we look forward to working with Nissan during the next three years,” he added.

Commenting on the partnership, FAI General Manager Noel Mooney said: “I am delighted to welcome Nissan as the Official Vehicle Partner of the FAI. The FAI’s Development Officers play a pivotal role in promoting football and in delivering programmes that attract young people to play the game and to improve their skills. The provision of 55 Nissan vehicles ensures that our Development Officers can continue their valuable work at grassroots level and that the many initiatives that are now underway in towns and communities will continue to prosper and flourish.”