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Lloyds TSB agree to back Euro 2008
13/09/2002
The joint bid by Scotland and Ireland to host the 2008 European Football Championships is to be backed by Lloyds TSB Scotland.
A five-figure cash injection sees them join three other sponsors in BT Scotland, BAA Scottish Airports and Diageo as backers of the joint bid.
SFA Chief Executive David Taylor with First Minister Jack McConnell and Susan Rice of Lloyds TSB Scotland at Hampden today.
The funding from Lloyds TSB Scotland will help support the development of legacy projects for youth football from the Euro 2008 bid.
The first such project is a youth initiative to disseminate coaching material via the Scottish Football Association website and the Internet to schools throughout Scotland.
First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"Lloyds TSB Scotland's support for the Bid is yet another example of the strength of backing for our efforts to bring the third biggest sporting event in the world to Scotland and Ireland in 2008. I am particularly pleased that today's sponsorship is to be targeted at developing youth football, encouraging young people to play the 'national game' and helping bring through the stars of the future."
Susan Rice, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland said:
"As one of the leading companies in Scotland we are thrilled to lend our financial support to what we view as an extremely strong bid. We consider the bid of great benefit to Scotland and truly worthy of our backing. Furthermore, the initiation of the new junior football programme demonstrates the huge benefits that the joint bid can bring, not only to the economy but also to the community as a whole."
David Taylor, Chief Executive of the SFA, commented:
"The Euro 2008 bid is all about having aspirations for the future - for Scotland as well as for our national game. We all have to work together to lay down the foundations which will develop future talent, and I am delighted that Lloyds TSB Scotland share this view."
Sport Minister Mike Watson added:
"Lloyds TSB Scotland's backing of the Euro 2008 bid is warmly welcomed and I am sure the development of this exciting new youth football programme will further enhance the efforts that the Executive and SFA are making in promotion of youth sport, and football in particular, across Scotland."
The UEFA Inspection team will be visiting Scotland and Ireland between the September 16 to 20 to assess in detail the bid document.