Achi news desk-
The Hoops feel they can generate between €500,000 and €1m over a four-year deal and have pledged to earmark the revenue to fund professional contracts for youth players in their academy.
It is understood that as part of the deal, the Sharp Group, a provider of fire and security solutions, will appear on the perimeter signage system for 20 minutes of each game.
League of Ireland Premier League Preview – May 10th
Rovers can sell the rotating advertising space for the remaining minutes. As part of the sponsorship arrangement with Sharp, the company paid the cost of putting in what Rovers described as a “state-of-the-art” system.
“This revolutionary collaboration has facilitated the acquisition of an innovative LED perimeter signage system that will transform the match experience at Tallaght Stadium,” read a statement from the Hoops.
“We believe this is the largest commercial sponsorship deal ever delivered by a League of Ireland club.”
The LED fixtures have previously been brought in and out for select matches in Europe and used for women’s internationals at the Dublin 24 complex, but will now be a permanent presence with Rovers able to generate rental income from UEFA and the FAI for their use.
Rovers added that the partnership requires a commitment from the club to allocate a significant portion of the revenue generated by the LED perimeter signage system to its academy to finance professional contracts: “This strategic move is intended to strengthen the club’s ongoing efforts to support youth development and education within the soccer community.”
Rovers are looking to increase the number of full-time youth players on their books, an area that has been scrutinized from a national perspective, with League of Ireland head of academies Will Clarke highlighting that there was a single-digit number of professionals in the 16-17 age group in 2023.
While Hoops currently operates a transition year program, there are plans to offer around 10 pro contracts each year to participants in that program, covering them for their final two years at school.
Last year was financially difficult for Hops, with a loss in the region of 2.4 million euros.
A difficult year in Europe was one aspect of this – although there were a range of contributing factors – and there is recognition that this year’s campaign in this area will be very important for Steven Bradley’s side.
As well as the prize money from progression, the peripheral advertising for games broadcast across Europe will have the potential to be seriously lucrative if Rovers manage to progress this year.
Sharp chief executive Ivan Nolan said: “This deal has a direct impact on every aspect of the football club, from the men’s and women’s first teams, to the men’s and women’s League of Ireland academy teams, to the minor academy teams to the men’s and women’s academy teams. education program.
“We are really looking forward to seeing the results.”
