Queen’s Athletics and Recreation announced on Thursday the first partner in the launch of Junior Gaels brand and apparel program – the Kingston Clippers Soccer Club.
 
The partnership will see all Kingston Clippers house league and competitive league uniforms and apparel rebranded with Junior Gaels starting in 2019.

Queen’s Athletics will utilize its apparel and equipment partnership with T. Litzen and Nike to support the Junior Gaels brand. In addition to the new look, the largest soccer tournament in Eastern Ontario – will be renamed from the Ambassador Cup to the Gaels Cup.

“This is the first announcement of a number of exciting Junior Gaels partners for us. We have developed the Junior Gaels concept, with a simple goal in mind – inspiring youth Kingston athletes to attend Queen’s, and one day play for Queen’s,” says Jeff Downie, Director, Business Development and Operations. “Connecting our current student-athletes in a new way with the local community allows them to act as mentors to all the young athletes in Kingston. I hope this gives our young athletes in Kingston a sense of being part of something bigger. If a young girl through this Junior Gaels partnership realizes she can continue her athletic pursuits at the university or college level – then we will have succeeded.”

All participants in the Junior Gaels program will receive benefits like:

• Opportunities to meet and learn from current Gaels athletes
• Coaching support from current Queen's coaches
• Free admission to Gaels sporting events
• Special Junior Gaels programming at the Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC)
• Discounts, promotions and much more

“Based on our shared values, we are pleased to announce an expansion of our partnership with Queen’s University,” says Sean O'Brien, President, Kingston Clippers Soccer Club. “Previously, Queen’s has partnered with our club to support our men’s and women’s Premier/League One soccer teams. This includes sharing facilities, staff and administration resources through a clear, long-term partnership agreement. We are pleased to expand this partnership to provide greater support to our grassroots and recreational programs and promote active family living opportunities in our community with the Junior Gaels program.” 
The new Junior Gaels brand and uniforms will launch in 2019.