Celtic hail deaf football deal

Celtic Chief executive Josh Greaves is hailing the success of the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North club's new partnership with Leeds Deaf Football Club who've been playing in the English Deaf Football League (North) at their Throstle Nest home this season since reforming earlier this year.

Founded way back in 1871 before being disbanded in 2012, LDFC are now running out in a newly sponsored kit after a plea on Twitter for sponsorship was picked up by Tom Fozard at Knaresborough-based Rooster’s Brewing Co.

Greaves said: "I’m pleased with the way the start of the season has gone for both Leeds Deaf FC and Farsley Celtic FC. This is a partnership that we’re keen to develop in order to help bring deaf football back to the forefront in Leeds.

"The sponsorship and partnership with Rooster’s is essential to allow both clubs to achieve this. I would like to thank Rooster’s for all their support so far this season and I hope this is the start of a great relationship moving forward."

Rooster’s commercial director Fozard, pictured presenting LDFC chairman Chris Evans with the new kit, said: “We’ve been looking at various sponsorship opportunities over the last 18 months, none of which have come to anything, so as soon I saw that LDFC were looking for some help, it was a no brainer.

"The support Farsley Celtic has given the team is incredible and we’re pleased to play our small part in helping the players to be able to play with the LDFC badge on their chests.”

After entering the English Deaf Football League, English Deaf Cup and British Deaf Cup this season, LDFC chairman Evans said the club now had aspirations of entering one of the West Riding FA leagues in 2017 with new sponsors on board.

Evans added: “We’re delighted to have received the new kit with Rooster’s sponsorship and think the shirts look fantastic. Having just reformed after a four-year hiatus, the deal has come as a real boost to our ambition to be a great football club for the deaf community in Leeds. We’re also thankful to Farsley Celtic for helping to make this two-year deal a reality.”

An independent brewery established in 1993 and owned and operated by Ian, Tom and Oliver Fozard, Roosters are famed for their pale ales which are available at various bars and shops across Leeds.

To keep up to date with LDFC's progress, follow them on Twitter @Leeds_Deaf_FC.

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