Deal with Tranmere confirmed

ONE OF Dublin's leading schoolboy football clubs, Stella Maris, last night confirmed their agreement of a sponsorship deal of £100,000 over three years with English Division One side Tranmere.

The deal will bring a considerable new source of funding to the Irish side while giving Tranmere's manager, John Aldridge, first option on any of the club's up and coming talent.

Stella Maris will use the money to develop projects such as the purchase of new pitches and the upgrading of training facilities for its 24 teams ranging from under 8 to was in Dublin yesterday for the announcement of the deal which, if the last few years are anything to go by should provide his club with the opportunity to bring through some of the country's most promising youngsters.

Over the years the likes of John Giles, David O'Leary and current Tranmere midfielder Liam O'Brien have all started their playing days with the north Dubliners. More recently the club could boast that five of the players who appeared in last season's English FA Youth Cup final Ross Darcy, Stephen Carr, Alan Mannix and Simon Webb of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United's Dessie Baker had emerged from their ranks.

Stella Maris also plan to install a synthetic pitch and build new dressing rooms at the club's Richmond Road ground.

In addition to direct funding, Tranmere will also, as part of their side of the bargain, provide advice on coaching to the Dubliners.