SOCCER: Graeme Souness is spearheading a major sponsorship involving Blackburn Rovers and schoolboy soccer in the Republic of Ireland.

The Ewood boss visited Dublin this week as part of an exciting new partnership between Blackburn and the North Dublin Schoolboy League.

Blackburn have agreed to be technical sponsors for the Academy of the NDSL, which over the years has produced a long line of players who have gone on to make the professional grade.

Graeme Souness says: "There is already a strong Irish connection at Ewood Park, throughout all levels, and we have always enjoyed excellent links with schoolboy football in Eire. This move is another major step forward and reinforces our determination to progress the relationship still further."

NDSL Academy Director Bob Smith says: "We are delighted to be involved with a club of Blackburn's stature and able to call upon their experience and expertise -- it can only be for our boys and our League."

NDSL Secretary Liam Farrell says: "This is a very exciting development and we are certain the association with Blackburn Rovers will provide immense benefits, in particular for our young players and their clubs."

The agreement offers a host of advantages to the NDSL include BRFC providing three in-service weekends in Dublin, BRFC Academy staff assisting with the coaching of the Kennedy Cup side and a visit by the Kennedy Cup squad to the renowned Blackburn Academy.