Sportswear manufacturer Castore has solidified it’s brand with their first international deal with The Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
The UK-based company has been travelling across Europe to land club deals with the likes of England’s Newcastle United, Charlton Athletic, Aston Villa, Wolves and Seaford, plus Scotland’s Rangers and also Sevilla FC and Bayer Leverkusen in Spain and Germany respectively.
However, none have tapped into the national team space, something that a long term deal of six years will do. The agreement between Castore and the Irish FA means the former are well and truly expanding their portfolio of clients.
Working alongside the FAI, Castore will be the official kit supplier and retail partner, overseeing new product launches and ensuring all apparel is designed with the best interests at heart. For example, the FAI has recently changed up their crest which will need to be visible on any new kits.
As the FAI are re-establishing their look with a new era, Castore have jumped in to help ensure everything is rolled out smoothly.
Speaking about the decision to change up its brand, FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said via press release:
“Today marks the start of a new era for the FAI as an organisation as we unveil our new brand identity. We set out an ambitious four-year strategy in 2022 and building a trusted and respected brand was outlined as a key enabler,” he said.
“The delivery of our new identity is a key step in delivering against this objective. The development of our new brand identities has been a significant and strategic undertaking that reflects our commitment to being a best-in-class, modern organisation.
“It also represents a change in what we stand for and how we will engage with the football community as we continue to drive the growth and development of the game in what is a new and exciting era for Irish football. Most importantly we have a new national team crest that we hope our fans, players and everyone in Irish football will be truly proud of.”
This new deal comes after FAI cut ties with Umbro, despite four years left on the contract.
Castore are expected to make more inroads in Europe, but also venture to the Middle East and Far East.
