Programme could help Athlone Town raise funds

An exciting new programme launched last week could help raise funds for cash strapped Athlone Town FC. The Myteam.ie Affiliate Programme, which has received the support of the FAI, gives eircom League of Ireland fans the opportunity to help increase the marketing profile of their club. The initiative plans to inject €1.8 million into eircom League of Ireland clubs over the next three years. Central to the success of the programme though, is the role of the fans. Each fan that signs up to the Affiliate Programme will receive a merchandise pack that is branded in their team"s colours and crest. The pack includes a beach towel, hat, scarf, window sticker, luggage bag handle, gym bag and a pin badge. The cost of each pack is €75 and for every pack sold, the fan"s club receives €30. Not only will fans receive top quality merchandise, they will also be putting money directly back into the club, a statement from the Myteam.ie Affiliate Programme said. The Myteam.ie Affiliate Programme is the brainchild of Tom Reilly from Burex Manufacturers in Louth and he believes the new scheme will help league clubs increase revenues. He said: 'Fundamentally, this gives people an opportunity to contribute financially to their own team while at the same time getting an excellent value-pack of branded goods. This initiative will help enhance the professional image of each club, particularly clubs that have struggled to source this type of merchandise in the past.' In line with the current economic downturn in the country, the financial plight of several League of Ireland clubs has hit the headlines throughout the 2008 season, with Athlone Town, Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers, Cork City, Drogheda Utd, Finn Harps, Galway Utd, Longford Town and Waterford Utd among those to go public with their financial grievances. Athlone Town, of course, have had major difficulty paying players and management staff in recent months. The eircom League of Ireland Director, Fran Gavin said: 'This is a unique project and the FAI is delighted to support Myteam.ie because we believe it represents a win win solution for both fans and their clubs. Supporters will be able to get their hands on some great merchandise, while clubs will benefit financially from every pack sold.' Each fan that signs up to the programme will be part of it for twelve months. Thereafter, they can choose to renew their affiliation for a further year. They will then receive an updated set of customised products, all of which will be branded in their club"s crest and colours. To sign up for an affiliate"s pack, log on to www.myteam.ie.