By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Football Association (Osun FA) has entered into a partnership with Prostar Sports Kits as an official football partner, in a move aimed at strengthening football development and supporting grassroots competitions across the state.
The partnership followed a formal request by the Osun FA to Prostar Sports Kits for support towards the association’s football development programmes and competitions.
Prostar subsequently agreed to collaborate with the association and provide material and promotional support for selected competitions as part of efforts to promote football and youth development in Osun State.
Under the partnership, Prostar Sports Kits will provide 20 pairs of tracksuits and 20 shirts for the Osun FA Cup, as well as six Prostar footballs and 10 Prostar-branded shirts for the final of each supported competition.
The company will also provide two Man of the Match awards at the semi-final stage of supported competitions.
According to Prostar, the items will be supplied progressively as the respective competitions advance.
The partnership will also give Prostar Sports Kits visibility across supported competitions through official photographs, videos, social media content, match-day activities, branding and other promotional platforms available to the association.
Prostar has requested that the Osun FA provide at least one week’s advance notice ahead of relevant activities to enable the company to adequately prepare and produce the required materials.
Osun FA currently oversees a growing football ecosystem covering various competitions and developmental programmes, including the SmartCity Osun State Football League, Osun State Women’s Football League, Osun State Corporate Football League, Osogbo Street Soccer Challenge and Osun State Intercollegiate Football League.
Others include the Osun State Principals’ Cup, Osun State Headmasters’ Cup, Osun FA Cup and other grassroots and youth football initiatives across the state.
Speaking on the partnership, the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Mayor Sola Fanowapo, described the collaboration as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between football administration and the private sector.
Fanowapo said the association was committed to creating an enabling environment for football to thrive at all levels, from grassroots and school competitions to organised leagues and other competitive programmes.
He said corporate organisations and sportswear companies had an important role to play in supporting the development of the sport, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Osun FA is committed to creating an enabling environment where football can grow at every level, from grassroots and schools football to organised leagues and competitions.
“Partnerships such as this demonstrate the important role that corporate organisations and sportswear companies can play in supporting football development.
“We appreciate Prostar Sports Kits for responding positively to our partnership proposal and for committing resources towards our competitions.
“We look forward to a productive relationship that will benefit players, coaches, officials, clubs and young footballers across Osun State,” he said.
The partnership is expected to provide additional support for players and organisers while enhancing the visibility and professional presentation of football competitions across the state.
