CORK CITY FC HAVE today announced an agreement with University College Cork which has been described as a “major partnership” by the two parties.
City, who were crowned FAI Cup winners at the expense of Dundalk earlier this month, have signed a three-year sponsorship deal with UCC — and the Mardyke Arena, which is the location of the university’s state-of-the-art leisure facilities on Leeside.
According to a press release, the agreement includes “front and rear jersey sponsorship, player fitness, training and rehabilitation support and university scholarships and educational supports for Cork City FC players.”
City midfielder Gearoid Morrissey and striker Karl Sheppard were present at today’s announcement on the UCC campus, sporting the club’s away kit for the 2017 season.
“Our partnership with UCC and the Mardyke Arena ensures that Cork City FC is once again setting a new standard for success,” said Pat Lyons, Cork City’s chairman.
“Working together over the last four years, we have leveraged the superb facilities at UCC and the Mardyke Arena for our players. Certainly this has helped us achieve our success to date, including winning the FAI Cup this year.
“Now, together with UCC, we are building further on our player development, availing of the extensive research network, data analytics and creating pathways for juniors, senior and retiring players in education for their sporting and personal development as well as their future careers.”
Despite ending a nine-year wait for FAI Cup success this year, City will be hoping to go one better in the Premier Division in 2017, having finished second to Dundalk in each of the last three seasons.
“Sport is at the heart of UCC along with passion, commitment and the pursuit of excellence. Working with Cork City Football Club in recent years, we have seen how our values are very much aligned,” said UCC president Dr Pat Murphy.
“The announcement today represents a real deepening in our partnership, which goes beyond typical sponsorship deals. It reinforces our shared belief that sport and education together are a winning combination for success.
“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Cork City FC and look forward to an exciting three years together.”
