IFA wants all local players to deliver

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Referees are to be given a helping hand in stamping out indiscipline when the Carling Premiership campaign kicks off next weekend.

The Irish FA will announce a new link-up with the Royal Mail this morning, which it hopes will lead to a reduction in the number of red and yellow cards dished out by match officials in the new season.

The Royal Mail Fair Play League will see clubs rewarded for keeping on the right side of the men in the middle, with a trophy up for grabs each month for those who tot up the least amount of disciplinary points.

It is a deal worth five figures to the Premiership and coming just a week after the announcement of a three-year sponsorship package with Carling, it is a real boost for the local game as clubs ready themselves for the big kick off.

As part of the Fair Play League plans there will be two weekends during the season which will be deemed ‘Fair Play Days’ and a schools competition is also expected to be announced.

FIFA and UEFA are keen to push the Fair Play message across the footballing world, hence the reason extra places in the first round of the Europa League tournament are on offer to countries who perform best in that particular discipline.

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The Royal Mail Fair Play League

[noseyme]

Fair Play ?????????
Do Royal Mail know what that means??????????

[Pinky 1]

Isn't this an own goal ? Fair play my ar*e !

[noseyme]

PRESS RELEASE



IRISH FA AND ROYAL MAIL CHAMPION FAIR PLAY


Postmen took on Premiership players today in a five-a-side match to mark the launch of an exciting new initiative between Royal Mail and the Irish Football Association.



Together with the Irish FA, Royal Mail will be rewarding and highlighting positive and fair play across the 12 Premiership clubs on a monthly basis throughout the 2009/2010 season. The new Royal Mail Fair Play League is the first official initiative of its kind in Northern Ireland, and through the monthly monetary awards, provides the clubs with a unique opportunity to generate extra revenue.



Speaking at today’s launch event in the Waterfront Hall, representative of the IFA Premiership Management Committee, Adrian Teer, said he is delighted that such a positive initiative has been developed: “This is another welcome boost for the local game and the Premiership clubs will of course appreciate the opportunity to be rewarded for Fair Play. Respect is crucial in the game of football today and we are pleased that Royal Mail has supported this fantastic initiative.”



Wishing both teams success at the start of the match, Royal Mail Human Resources Director, Pamela Stevenson, said: ”Today’s friendly five-a-side match is a great example of the importance of mutual respect, discipline and a strong team spirit – qualities that play a fundamental role in both sport and in business.



“The attributes of a top footballer: talent alongside determination, motivation, self belief, going the extra mile, are all qualities which are sought in business and that’s why we approached the IFA to look at partnership opportunities and are delighted to be launching the Royal Mail Fair Play League today.”



The initiative, which will reward clubs with the best disciplinary record based on a specially devised point system, will officially kick off next week at the start of the new Premiership season.



“We are looking forward to working closely with the IFA over the course of the Premiership season and are pleased to be taking such a key role in supporting and promoting Fair Play in Northern Ireland football.”

[madelin4]

Fair Play ?????????
Do Royal Mail know what that means??????????

[DGP1]

Fair Play ?????????
Do Royal Mail know what that means??????????

Must not make comment

[pinstripe]

"with the Royal Mail this morning, which it hopes will lead to a reduction in the number of red and yellow cards dished out by match officials in the new season."

What are we going to be delivering them?
"Sorry mate, nothing today except this pile of Saga magazines and your box of contact lenses from Specsavers"