Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA) kicked a winning goal today as the leading South Australian retailer announced it had signed a three-year exclusive deal to become the Premier Partner of the Adelaide United Football Club (AUFC).

Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA) kicked a winning goal today as the leading South Australian retailer announced it had signed a three-year exclusive deal to become the Premier Partner of the Adelaide United Football Club (AUFC).

The landmark partnership will see IGA become the Reds’ ‘front of shirt’ sponsor for the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season, naming sponsor of IGA Regional Challenge, and IGA Family Park, as well as participate in the AUFC Community Program and supporting the Adelaide United Football Schools.

The announcement took place at Coopers Stadium with the Adelaide United Football Club players in their new IGA kit, ready for the Westfield FFA Cup, along with coaching staff, AUFC Board and management, and IGA retailers.

Madeleine Fitzpatrick, Metcash GM Marketing Supermarkets said IGA is delighted to become part of the Adelaide United family supporting the South Australian community and encouraging young people to get involved in football.

“With football being the number one sport played by children aged 6-13 in Australia, IGA is looking forward to further raising the profile of the sport and the Reds, especially in regional areas of South Australia.

“Through the support for Adelaide United, IGA retailers will play a major role in getting behind the local community whilst also growing this sport across the entire State. IGA retailers are the heart and soul of many of their local communities as family owned business’ delivering products and services tailored to their shoppers across South Australia.”

Metcash is the wholesale provider and brand custodian for IGA retailers nationally.

Adelaide United CEO, Grant Mayer, welcomed the iconic Australian and South Australian brand, IGA, to the Reds’ family as a Premier Partner of the Club.

“On behalf of Adelaide United, I would like to welcome IGA on board for the next three years.

“This is an exciting relationship and one that will provide broad reaching benefit for all involved with our great club.

“Football participation in this State is on the rise and following our success in last year’s Grand Final, we very much look forward to working with IGA in developing stronger ties to the community," Mr Mayer said.

After the success of Adelaide United’s trip to Port Pirie, IGA will help with a new, key Club initiative with the announcement of the IGA Regional Challenge, which will see local regional teams play against the Reds.

IGA will also be having its brand up in lights and on the ground at Coopers Stadium for each of Adelaide United’s home matches with integrated signage.

Ms Fitzpatrick continued by saying IGA plans to become involved during match days with activations and competitions at Coopers Stadium with Reds fans as well as engaging parents and kids before and during the game at IGA Family Park at Coopers Stadium.

“We look forward to welcoming Adelaide United Football Club players at the many IGA stores across the State to meet their fans.

“And in a Hyundai A-League first, Reds supporters will also be able to get the latest Adelaide United playing kits, caps, and scarves from IGA stores across South Australia from October 2016, making it even easier for fans to access their favourite United gear!

“We encourage all South Australians to get behind our team and the current Hyundai A-League Champions in the 2016/17 season, and we look forward to seeing them at the top of the table at the end of the season again,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.