MacBlair, the Northern Ireland distribution division of Grafton Group PLC, has announced a new partnership with the Irish Football Association, the Irish FA Foundation and the Northern Ireland national teams.
Through this partnership, MacBlair also becomes the title partner of the Irish FA Foundation’s People & Clubs programme and the MacBlair Building Support Fund.
The MacBlair Building Support Fund in collaboration with the Irish FA, will directly support clubs through the provision of building materials for projects such as upgrading clubhouses, enhancing pitches, or improving facilities. Additionally, the builders’ merchant is launching a Club Support Fund which will provide more general funding to help clubs with essential needs such as equipment, kit sponsorship, and other day-to-day operational costs.
MacBlair Managing Director Alan Wright said: “We are proud to partner with the Irish FA and strengthen our commitment to local communities across Northern Ireland. At MacBlair, we believe in making a real impact, and through the MacBlair Support Funds, we’re excited to help clubs enhance their facilities and create lasting benefits for grassroots football.”
Stephen Bogle, Head of Commercial Operations at the Irish FA, said: “Partnering with MacBlair reflects our shared commitment to supporting football at a grassroots level. The MacBlair Support Funds will provide vital assistance to clubs across Northern Ireland, helping them to grow, thrive, and continue serving their communities. We’re proud to work with a partner that understands the power of football to create lasting, positive change.”
This announcement builds on MacBlair’s existing sponsorships commitments across all local sports, including Football, GAA and Rugby. Applications for the Funds are now open through the IFA and MacBlair websites.
Main image (TOP): Julie Carson, Head of Marketing at MacBlair, and MacBlair Managing Director Alan Wright joined Stephen Bogle, Head of Commercial Operations at the Irish FA, and Stephen Garrett, Senior Commercial Manager at the Irish FA, to announce the new partnership.
MacBlair operates a network of 20 branches across Northern Ireland. Its portfolio is further enhanced by specialist divisions, including Watershed Bathrooms, which operates from six locations in Northern Ireland; Doorways, a dedicated door business based in Belfast; and Wood Floor Warehouse, which has three locations in Northern Ireland and mainland UK.
