Sligo Rovers have taken youth recruitment to the next level.
The SSE Airtricity Premier Division side are offering a club jersey to every baby born in Sligo University Hospital this year.
The project is a League of Ireland first, and will see more than 1,000 jerseys donated to families of newborns in County Sligo, as well as parts of Leitrim, Donegal, Roscommon, Cavan and Mayo.
The jersey is a replica of the 2021 home shirt, sponsored on the back by OTBSports.com.
It's the initiative of The Bit O’ Red Supporters Trust and Sligo University Hospital.
"Sligo Rovers has existed through 93 years because each generation has passed their love of the club on to the next," club chief executive Colin Feehily said.
“We are very proud of what Rovers means to our region and how it can form a part of all our lives and connect us as well. We are taking this measure to bring that feeling to even more people.
“Sligo is unique in that, in normal times, when you walk the streets of the county, everywhere you go you see a Bit O’ Red. The crest and the Rovers colours are worn by our loyal and passionate fans of all ages.
“The idea stemmed from our Supporters Trust who helped make it happen. I’d also like to thank our sponsors for being very supportive in allowing us to make it logistically possible and financially viable.
"As well as our supporters, the business community has constantly backed us this last year.
“Most of all, we’re very happy to be bringing extra smiles to those in Sligo University Hospital.
"As we pass on these kits to the staff today to give to families, we want to express our huge gratitude to all of the employees at the hospital.
The first of our new kits are out there. Congratulations Vinnie https://t.co/SkBSS60Luh
— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) March 15, 2021
"Their work over this past year has been incredible. They have the admiration of everyone and thanks at The Showgrounds.”
Juliana Henry, Director of Midwifery at Sligo University Hospital added, “This is a very novel idea and will be a lovely memento for the babies born in the hospital this year.
“We are very grateful to Sligo Rovers and the wider community in County Sligo and beyond for their ongoing support of the hospital.”
Sligo begin their season on Saturday evening with the visit of FAI Cup-winners Dundalk to The Showgrounds.
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