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Forthbank fanfare to welcome
Diageo as major new sponsors
Global business giants Diageo, which trades in 180 markets around the world and is the world’s leading premium drinks business, is providing a £12,000 support package for Albion’s highly-rated Youth Development Scheme.
Club officials are delighted with the deal after seasons of doom and gloom which last year saw Albion end up as second-worst team in Scotland.
And they hope this investment in youth will see Albion begin to climb the leagues in the near future.
The scheme was set up in 1998 and since then 20 youth players have made appearances in Albion’s first team. These include current regulars such as Stewart Devine, Kenny McLellan, Gareth Munro and Paul Nugent.
Albion have already seen a cash return after selling striker Alex Willaims to Morton for £50,000 recently.
Diageo’s Brand Technical Centre is based in Menstrie and the company’s UK Technical Director Robert Mc Elroy said the £12,000 — which will initially last for one year — will help with minibus transport and the provision of a physiotherapist to help with the welfare of the Forthbank starlets.
New strips sporting the Diageo logo have also been provided.
“We are delighted to support this award-winning scheme,” said Mr McElroy.
“We are committed to investing in our local community and this fits well with our Skills for Life programme which aims to provide people and communities with practical opportunities to develop new skills.
“Diageo and Stirling Albion first spoke about this more than a year ago and although the deal is initially for one season, we are hoping we will be able to continue it.”
Albion director John Smith praised the company’s input.
“With this support from Diageo and all our existing sponsors, we will ensure the continued success of the Youth Development Scheme.”
Last season Albion’s under 18s won the SFL Youth League Cup — with nine of the side having played first-team football.
“The progress of young players on to first team football is ultimately the measure of success,” said Youth Development Co-ordinator Stewart Taylor, “and in this area we are rightly proud of that record.
“The help of partners such as Diageo is fundamental to our ultimate goal of giving the people of Stirling a football team they can be proud of.
“Their interest in the development of our youngsters matches that of the club and together the partnership will hopefully have continued success.”
John Smith (Director SAFC), Allan Moore (Player/Coach), Youth Team and Robert
McElroy of Diageo