The business of football
While Cork City FC are endeavouring to finish the season by remaining in the SSE Airtricity Mens Premier Division, off the field the club is looking to the future.
The club, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, is offering businesses an opportunity to build their brand as well as become part of the club’s community projects.
Cork City FC is hoping to develop strong connections with the local business community as they look to grow further.
Cork City FC has established relationships with some leading organisations including Zeus Packaging, UCC, Bons Secours Hospital and Johnson & Perrott Motor Dealership. The club is eager to build new relationships and has launched a number of initiatives throughout the year aimed at the corporate sector.
Anthony O’Sullivan is Commercial Director of Cork City FC: “We really appreciate all the support we’ve received over the years and we want to open our doors to other businesses to come on board. We are expecting to have a number of events in 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of the club so it would be a fantastic opportunity for businesses supporting us to raise their own brand in Cork.
“Bringing more businesses on board will mean that we can further expand our offerings such as the Corky Camps and the Junior Academy as well as the women’s teams which have attracted a significant increase in interest from the public in recent years,” he added.
Cork City FC, which is owned by Dermot Usher, has been organising a number of community projects such as the Monday Morning Memories and a football numeracy programme for schools. The club also appointed its first ever Football & Social Responsibility Officer this year. Conor McKahey is working with groups who may not have easy access to football including those with a disability, schools in disadvantaged areas and pensioners.
Cork City FC hosted a breakfast briefing for sponsors recently and Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy spoke at the event about the important role the club has in the city by bringing people together.
“Investment in Cork City FC is more than just an investment in the club itself. We have to look at how many young people have been inspired by the players over the years and how communities come together to celebrate the club’s successes. The population of Cork city is expanding and sport is a great way of uniting people and it’s something that we, as a city, need to support.”
Sponsorship opportunities are open throughout the year and anyone who is interested in getting involved can email commercial@corkcityfc.ie.
Owner of Cork City FC Dermot Usher and Cork City FC Chief Operating Officer Éanna Buckley met with Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy to discuss future opportunities for the club.