Nissan is set to electrify Irish football on and off the pitch by supplying a new fleet of electric vehicles to help the FAI to grow the game at all levels across Ireland and to develop a new generation of young Irish footballers, including Irish international players.

A team of 21 Coaches, Development Officers and administrative staff have been selected to take delivery of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF as part of a new green initiative which is helping the FAI to reduce its carbon footprint as it continues to promote and support the development of Irish football.

This team of FAI employees travel thousands of kilometres across the country each year and their transition to a more sustainable fleet is being driven by Nissan in its role as Official Vehicle Partner of the Football Association of Ireland. The award-winning Nissan LEAF has been one of Ireland’s best-selling EVs for more than a decade.

It has been at the centre of Nissan’s charge towards electrification with a range of vehicles that also includes the all-new mild hybrid Nissan Qashqai and the new Nissan Ariya electric coupé crossover.

“One of the most exciting developments in Irish football over the past year has been the emergence of young players who have come through the FAI grassroots coaching system that Nissan has been proudly supporting since 2019,” said Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland.

“The new energy and style of play that has characterised this young Irish team has electrified fans. Nissan is delighted to play its part off field by electrifying the fleet of vehicles used by the FAI to deliver coaching programmes in schools, clubs and communities across Ireland,” he added.

“As the Official Vehicle Partner of the FAI, Nissan has been helping the Association’s staff to engage with as many players, coaches and volunteers as possible and to deliver grassroots programmes that offer an opportunity to girls and boys of all ages and abilities to play football, to enjoy the game and to hopefully one day play for Ireland,” he continued.

Commenting on the partnership, Republic of Ireland manager, Stephen Kenny said: “The thousands of young players who are coached by the FAI are the lifeblood of Irish football. Thanks to Nissan’s support, these young players are being given every opportunity to develop their skills, to realise their potential and to follow in the footsteps of the other young players who are now part of the Irish team.

“Nissan has played a pivotal role in helping the FAI to travel to schools, clubs and communities across the country to promote and support the development of Irish football. This partnership puts young players first and its role in helping to develop a new generation of Irish international players is invaluable,” he added.

Welcoming the partnership Republic of Ireland manager, Vera Pauw said: “The core pillars of the new FAI strategy 2022 - 2025 include driving grassroots football as the heart of the game and developing the full potential of football for women and girls. I welcome this support from Nissan because it helps us to realise these goals and ambitions. It enables us to engage with communities and players of all ages all over Ireland as we work to enrich the lives of all through positive football experiences. We are also leading by example in making the switch to sustainable, electric driving in partnership with Nissan.”

Commenting on the partnership, FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “The FAI is delighted to go green and to help protect our environment by making the switch to the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. This green initiative will see the FAI continue our move to a more sustainable fleet which will help it to reduce its carbon footprint. We are delighted to join Nissan in leading the charge towards electrification and to work together to enable our staff continue carrying out their valuable work at grassroots level in towns and communities across Ireland.”