Sports Interactive and Eidos to create Championship Players

Sports Interactive and Eidos Interactive have agreed a deal with Third Division Southend United, which will greatly help the young footballers of tomorrow.

The two-year deal will see the Shrimpers’ Centre of Excellence – which coaches young footballers aged between seven and 16 every weekday night – re-named as ‘The Southend United Championship Manager Centre of Excellence’.

Additionally, the team’s youth squads – which comprise over 130 players aged 19 and under – will play competitive matches and train in new Championship Manager 4 kits, featuring the brand new Championship Manager 4 logo which will be revealed soon.

This comes hot on the heels of another high-profile sponsorship deal, which Sports Interactive has signed with AFC Wimbledon – the ‘people’s team’.

“This is all about investing in grass roots football, so we are delighted to be able to help Southend,” says Miles Jacobson, managing director, Sports Interactive. "As a company, we are committed to putting giving something back to the beautiful game and hope that our investment will make the difference for young players in Southend.”

"When we were offered the chance, we jumped at it," adds Nick Robinson, product manager, Eidos Interactive. "It gives us a great deal of satisfaction to help Southend United in their efforts to develop the players of tomorrow."

“Sports Interactive and Eidos are the perfect partners for Southend United Football Club,” concludes Brian Wheeler, marketing manager, Southend United. “They are committed to the game and its players, and will really help us to raise the standard of youth football in the region. We are delighted to have them on board and look forward to using their resources to discover the next Beckham or Ferdinand.”