Players from Crusaders Football Club’s 2010 Youth Academy will sport a new strip for the 2023/2024 league campaign thanks to Energia Group – the leading supplier of green energy in Northern Ireland.
Designed and manufactured by Adidas, the black and white kit features branding from Power NI – and was first worn by the development squad during this summer’s Galway Cup event at Drom Soccer Park.
The team received funding through the company’s ‘Helping Hands’ initiative after being nominated by Energia Group employee Simon Lloyd.
Coaching staff at the seven-time Irish League winners have put a renewed focus on the club’s young players. Steps include providing specialised training programmes and preparing sides to compete in some of the country’s most prestigious competitions.
Speaking about the importance of the Youth Academy, Simon Lloyd said: “The academy helps build on grassroots football, encouraging talented players from all over Northern Ireland to enhance their skills and compete in high level youth tournaments like the Galway Cup.
“The Galway Cup is now regarded as one of the leading underage soccer tournaments in Europe, drawing teams from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Europe and further afield.
“Thanks to the generous donation from Energia Group, Crusaders Football Club was able to kit the teams out ahead of their games, which helps to instil confidence and motivation in the players.”
Declan Caddell – Head of the Crusaders Football Club Academy – added: “Without support from local communities and businesses, football clubs at all levels would not function properly.
“I am really delighted with the support from Energia Group’s Helping Hands scheme for our 2010 squad as we provide our football teams with official strips and equipment as it always comes at a significant cost. They wore their new kit during their Galway Cup success in August and will use it throughout the 2023/24 league campaign.”
Find out more on how Power NI is energising local communities.
