An Taoiseach launches Elverys Sports and Coaching Ireland New Partnership

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny launched the new partnership between Elverys Sport , the leading sports retailer, and Coaching Ireland, the organisation charged with improving the standards of coaching in Irish sport on an all island basis.


An Taoiseach said at the launch: "The Elverys brand has been synonymous with sport in Ireland for many years now. This exciting and innovative partnership with Coaching Ireland is a good example of how the public and private sector can successfully complement one another. It is a win-win situation for everybody and especially those who are actively engaged in healthy and sporting pursuits.


This innovative partnership will see Elverys support programmes of Coaching Ireland through the provision of a new education resource. In return Coaching Ireland will train and accredit Elverys staff in the technical and scientific aspects of sport and physical activity as well as provide information factsheets to customers of Elverys either in store or online.


The CEO of Elverys Sports Patrick Rowland welcomed the new partnership: "We welcome our new partner, Coaching Ireland and we look forward to many years of working together in the promotion of sport and physical activity. This unique partnership brings together private and public organisations and thereby galvanises the combined wealth of knowledge, for the benefit of the public and society at large. Our customers will have access to a wide range of technical and scientific information on aspects of sport and physical activity".


John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council said; "There is a significant increase in participation in sport and physical activity and we all must do everything we can to sustain and grow that interest. The retail sector is uniquely placed to positively influence new participants and that is why we see so much value in the new initiative with Elverys".


Sport is making a significant contribution to the Irish economy. The most recent Council study of the economic impact of sport showed that 2% of the overall value of consumer spending is on sport and sport-related goods and services. Sport and sport-related activities support over 38,000 full-time equivalent jobs, or over 2% of the overall level of employment in Ireland.


Participation in sport increased from 34% in 2009 to 46% in 2011. Sedentarism fell from 16% in 2009 to 13% in 2011. This means that sport is making a significant contribution to the health of the nation as research consistently highlights the contribution that physical activity makes to individual and community health. Regular physical activity reduces risks of stroke, diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure and many other conditions. Increased participation in physical activity will improve the physical health of the nation thus reducing our expenditure on the treatment of illness. Elverys and Coaching Ireland plan to play their part in achieving this laudable goal.


Michael McGeehin, Director of Coaching Ireland said "There is a high level of expertise within Coaching Ireland that we want to pass onto everyone involved in sport and physical activity. We are delighted to be involved with Elverys because it gives us a new means to communicate with a wide range of people who are interested in sport and they are providing us with additional, vital resources".


This partnership is the first of its kind in Ireland and the amalgamated expertise of both Elverys and Coaching Ireland staff will bring together , on the shop floor, sports retail and sports science which will afford huge benefits to consumers.


Coaching Ireland has the lead role in the development of coaching on an all island basis, highlighting the importance of quality coaching in developing our sportspeople and providing opportunities for participants. It is an operational unit of the Irish Sports Council, the statutory agency for sport in Ireland.


Elverys Sports, the leading authentic sports retailer, has daily interaction with people interested in sport and physical exercise and are ideally positioned to promote their benefits. Customers at Elverys will have access to relevant and up-to-date scientific information and advice from trained staff and from information packs developed by Coaching Ireland. Special information events and forums , under the auspices of Elverys and Coaching Ireland, will be held, at which leading coaches will present. These events will cater for the needs of all sports people whether beginners or mature, in keeping with Elverys motto "Sport for Life".