FORT MILL, S.C.—Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C. has signed a multi-year deal to be the official tire of the American Youth Soccer Organization.
The agreement also designates Conti as the presenting sponsor of Safe Haven, a child and volunteer safety program in which training is required for every registered AYSO coach, referee, administrator and volunteer helper. The tire maker described the program as a family's source for tips, advice and information on how to make sure a child's soccer experience is both physically and emotionally a fun, safe and healthy.
In addition to signage at events, the company said it will be included on all AYSO registration TV commercials seen this year on FOX Sports network.
Conti said its passion for soccer runs deep, with the AYSO partnership adding to the Fort Mill-based tire maker's other soccer-related sponsorships that include partnerships with Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer.
“Soccer is a global platform for Continental and youth soccer is the next piece of the puzzle for us,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire, in a press release. “We are especially excited to sponsor the Safe Haven program, as safety is at the core of our business. We look forward to sharing with the parents of AYSO important tips to keep their family safe while on the road driving their kids to and from practice.”
AYSO Executive Director Ian McMahon said having Conti on board with the organization “is a huge asset to our Safe Haven program and our plans to support your family's safety on and off the field.
“Their experience in the professional soccer space makes for an easy transition into the AYSO family, but I think this partnership will be the closest to their heart.”
AYSO says it is the largest soccer club in the U.S., with 500,000 players and more than six million alumni. The club was founded in Torrance, Calif., in 1964.