Football legends join Wembley FC on FA Cup Quest as Budweiser brings the greats back to the pitch
Wembley FC, a non-league football team, has signed a group of ex-international players including David Seaman, Ray Parlour, Martin Keown, Graeme Le Saux, Claudio Caniggia (Argentina) and Brian McBride (U.S.A.) to help them go as far as they can in next season’s FA Cup.
The signings were secured with the help of sponsor Budweiser, the lead partner of the FA Cup and join recently recruited former England manager Terry Venables, the club’s technical advisor.
Jason Warner, Global VP Budweiser, said, “As a long-standing supporter of football at all levels, Budweiser is committed to championing the magic of The FA Cup…We are pleased to continue to support Wembley FC as they strive to achieve their dreams and we think their story will appeal to - and inspire - football fans around the world.”
The all-stars have been coaching the 34 player amateur team for the last four months and will add their wealth of experience playing on the field with them at the start of the new FA Cup 2012/13 Season - an extra preliminary round tie on August 11, 2012.
Ian Bates, Wembley FC manager, explained, “The initiative shines a light on non-league football reminding people of the importance of amateur football in contributing to the development of the national game….[the investment] means great times are waiting for Wembley FC and we can't wait to kick off our FA Cup campaign.”
Evan Weinstein, co-executive producer of The Amazing Race is also set to document this journey of for new TV programme ‘Dream. On. The journey of Wembley FC’ to premier on ESPN.
Alan Fagan, ESPN Group Director, Advertising & Sponsorship Sales, EMEA, adds, “We're delighted to partner with Budweiser to showcase Wembley FC's FA Cup journey in this very exciting show.
“The series will engage with and inspire football fans across the UK and internationally, giving a real insight into grassroots football, the very foundations of the sport.”
And on top of all this a new club crest has been designed to make the most of Wembley FC’s motto, A Posse Ad Esse, ‘From Possibility to Reality’ with sportswear company Umbro providing the entire squad new kit and training wear.
Brian Gumm, Chairman of Wembley FC, added, “We're not a big club but we have big ambitions. With Budweiser as our sponsor we now have a shot at making those dreams come true.”