Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Announces New Multi-Year Partnership With Nike for Exclusive Apparel & Equipment
Plymouth Meeting, PA – January 22, 2013 – Eastern
Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Nike, Inc. have entered into a new, four-year
partnership that will provide exclusive, apparel and equipment coverage for all
of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer programs. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Nike will be the official supplier for apparel and
equipment for all programs highlighted by the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
Olympic Developmental Program and Coaching Education program. Also benefitting
from the partnership are the state association’s residential camps, day camps
and technical training as well as outreach programs. Nike will also supply the official game ball
of the Eastern Pennsylvania State Cups, the crowning achievement for youth
soccer teams each spring.
“Partnering with a great brand such as Nike, is nothing
but positive,” said Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern
Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “We are proud to be one of a limited number of
Nike’s youth soccer partners nationally. In sharing the same brand with US
Soccer, we chose to strategically brand ourselves and align our primary
programs with our national governing body. Partnerships such as this also
assist us to keep our fees low which may allow for more kids to experience
soccer in their communities.”
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer emphasizes player
development, identification, inclusion and advancement of the top male and female
soccer players in Eastern Pennsylvania through the Olympic Development Program.
Eastern Pennsylvania ODP has produced several US National team players over the
years including current US Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Nicole Barnhart
and former players such as Bobby Convey and Ben Olsen. Teams from Eastern Pennsylvania consistently
reach the finals at the US Youth Soccer National Championships, including
current U18 Girls Champions, FC Pennsylvania Strikers.
“Nike Soccer is proud to partner with Eastern
Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. We look forward to working together on creative
programs and providing innovative performance product,” said Joe Elsmore,
Director of North American Soccer Sports Marketing.
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has designated Angelo’s
Soccer Corner, one of the country’s leading soccer specialty stores, as the
exclusive retailer partner for this agreement.
Angelo’s, based in Lancaster, PA, has six locations throughout the
eastern part of the state.
About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
Since 1972, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked
throughout Eastern Pennsylvania’s 15 counties to promote foster, and perpetuate
the game of soccer to the region’s youth.
Through competitions, educational programs, workshops and coaching
clinics, each year Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more
than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19. Additional information is available at
http://www.EPYSA.org.