GAA superstars joined forces on Wednesday last to launch Opel Kit for Clubs 2014, Opel Ireland's grassroots initiative offering GAA fans the chance to earn free sports kit and equipment for their local GAA club.

Report via GAA.ie

We're delighted that Opel are once again launching their Kits for Clubs initiative - a fantastic example of one of our national GAA sponsorships reaching out to our clubs in a tangible way through the provision of playing gear and equipment.

Liam Ã NÃ©ill

The six players who will act as Opel's GAA Ambassadors throughout 2014 are Michael Darragh Macauley (Dublin), Joe Canning (Galway), Eoin Cadogan (Cork), Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny), Colm Cooper (Kerry) and CiarÃ¡n Kilkenny (Dublin).

Opel Kit for Clubs is Opel's way of giving something back to the GAA community. For every test drive or purchase you make from the Opel range, or for any vehicle serviced through the Opel dealer network, your local GAA club is awarded points which can be built up and redeemed against high quality kit for the club.

With kits and equipment representing a significant annual investment for GAA clubs across the country, taking part in the Opel Kit for Clubs initiative can help clubs reduce operational costs each year. For instance, Loughmore Castleiney (Tipperary) earned 7,840 points in 2013, which equates to â¬11,760 worth of gear for the club. Arklow Rocks GAA Club (Wicklow) earned 6,800 points in 2013, which is equivalent to 8 sets of jerseys and a saving of over â¬8000 for the club. Over the past three years, in excess of â¬280,000 worth of gear has been given away to GAA clubs, with â¬136,000 in 2013 alone.

Opel is a long-standing supporter of GAA in Ireland. In addition to the Opel Kit for Clubs initiative, Opel is the main sponsor of the GAA/GPA All Star awards, incorporating the Player of the Month awards in football and hurling, and is the Official Car Partner of the GAA and GPA.

Speaking at the launch, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director of Opel Ireland said: "We recognise that every local club in every county of Ireland could do with a little support, and the Opel Kit For Clubs programme has real tangible benefits for players and clubs alike through the kit and equipment we provide and also the training sessions provided by our ambassadors. As we celebrate the continued success of Opel Kit for Clubs, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our Opel GAA Ambassadors for their great work with the local clubs last year and welcome them back for the 2014 season."

UachtarÃ¡n Chumann LÃºthchleas Gael Liam Ã NÃ©ill said: "We're delighted that Opel are once again launching their Kits for Clubs initiative - a fantastic example of one of our national GAA sponsorships reaching out to our clubs in a tangible way through the provision of playing gear and equipment. We already know it has been very well received and we look forward to more clubs utilising it fully to assist them in their ongoing promotion of our games across the country."

Dessie Farrell, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association added: "I would once again like to pay tribute to Opel for their continued outstanding sponsorship of the GAA and GPA. Their commitment to grass roots development through the Kit for Clubs Scheme reflects their wonderful support for Gaelic Games in general and for club volunteers in particular. County players are outstanding ambassadors for our games and Opel's scheme harnesses the profile of the player in a practical way to benefit the club. We would encourage clubs to engage with the schemehe. The GPA is delighted to support Opel Kit for Clubs."

For more, visit www.opelkitforclubs.com