Sunderland of Scotland continues to support the Golf Foundation

Leading golf charity the Golf Foundation is delighted to announce that Sunderland of Scotland has signed up as its Official Rainwear Supplier for 2009.

This is the tenth year in succession that the Scottish-based rainwear company, internationally respected for the quality of its products, has given its backing to the cause of developing grass roots junior golf.

The Golf Foundation, a charity committed to the sporting and social development of young people through golf, is a supporter of the national golf partnerships in their objective of growing the game.

Foundation Chief Executive Mike Round said: "As a charity, the Golf Foundation relies on commercial and public backing to continue with national initiatives that are proving hugely successful in increasing the number of youngsters who are taking up golf.

"Sunderland of Scotland is clearly a company that values the heritage of the game greatly and wants to help develop golf in the future. The company has been a great friend to the Golf Foundation throughout the last decade and its continued support is hugely appreciated."

Brian Mair, Sales and Marketing Director for Sunderland, said: "It has been our privilege to support the Golf Foundation over the past ten years. We are extremely proud that we are making a contribution to ensure that the game is accessible to as many youngsters as possible throughout the country."

The Foundation's team of seven Regional Development Officers (RDOs) works with members of local sports partnerships, and with teachers, PGA professionals, volunteers and county golf representatives to help make golf more accessible to youngsters from all backgrounds and abilities. This team works outside in all weathers and, thanks to Sunderland of Scotland rainwear, they are well-protected from the elements at all times.

The commitment of the RDOs is proving crucial in helping to increase participation by juniors. In England, for example, recently released government figures show that the Golf Foundation and England Golf strategy of introducing golf to schools and then linking those schools to golf clubs in order to expand the player base is working. The School Sport Survey for 2007/08 indicates that the number of schools delivering golf has increased to 38 per cent (previously 31 per cent in 2006/07, 23 per cent in 2005/06). Not only has the number of schools increased but the number of schools with links to golf clubs and driving ranges has increased to 22 per cent (18 per cent in 2006/7).

* For information on Sunderland of Scotland, see sunderlandgolf.com