All eyes on Specsavers as major new Scottish FA sponsorship deal is signed

The opticians has famously sponsored the Scottish FA’s match officials for the past 22 years, and today marks a major milestone with the signing of a new and enhanced seven-figure, four-year sponsorship deal.

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell and head of refereeing William Collum were joined by Specsavers Scotland chair Jennifer Stephenson and Specsavers Scottish FA liaison Sarah Freel to make the announcement at Hampden Park, the home of Scottish football.

Jennifer Stephenson says: ‘We are proud to be the Scottish FA’s longest-standing sponsor, supporting grassroots referee training, promoting respect for match officials and ensuring their optimal vision and hearing through regular tests.

‘Our funding has played a pivotal role in nurturing new referee talent and investing in training and development. While our support of match officials will continue, this new sponsorship deal will enable us to have an even bigger impact as we support the beautiful game in Scotland.’

To date, Specsavers has provided equipment and technology for match officials, helped train more than 5,000 referees, and its contributions have ensured referees have received essential materials from training kit and match wear to technological and sporting equipment.

The last time the sponsorship deal was extended, Specsavers also introduced a focus on raising awareness of para football and grassroots football within both the men’s and women’s game. This enhanced sponsorship deal, and Specsavers’ new role as Official Eye and Ear Care Partner for the Scottish FA, Men’s and Women’s National Teams and Scottish Football Match Officials will enable it to make an even bigger difference.

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell says: “Our partnership with Specsavers has now spanned more than two decades, making it one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport and providing considerable support to referees at all levels of the game in Scotland.

“The partnership evolved considerably in that time, growing to encompass investment in grassroots football in recent years, helping to make our wonderful game available to all.

“We are very grateful to Specsavers for their continued faith in our national game and for not only continuing to support us but also extending it to our national teams in what promises to be an exciting new chapter in this enduring partnership.”