Bray Wanderers have announced details of a one-year sponsorship deal with Sports World. This exciting partnership comes in advance of Monday’s highly anticipated Premier Division game against current champions Bohemians.

Speaking at today’s sponsorship announcement, David Myers, Head of Group Operations, Heatons commented, “We are delighted to announce our support as title sponsor of Bray Wanderers club and we anticipate an exciting season ahead for this Premier Division team. Our association with Bray Wanderers re-enforces our commitment to local Irish communities and the importance we place on the involvement of the youth in sport and keeping active. Sports World has an extensive range of products for all sports”. 

When two-time defending Airtricity Premier Division champions Bohemians come to the Carlisle Grounds on Monday, most people will describe the game with Bray Wanderers as boys against men. Although on the same team, Colm Tresson and James Kavanagh fall into that category at either end of the scales. In fact, Tresson - who turns 39 in June - is the oldest player currently lining out in the Airtricity League after a celebrated 20-year career. And by a matter of coincidence, the veteran’s son Ciaran actually lined out with Kavanagh a decade ago when the young pair started playing the beautiful game.

“I remember Colm being on the sideline at games," recalls Kavanagh. "He was a good player ten years ago, and it shows how good a player he still is by the fact he’s still playing now. He’s an absolute legend at Bray and I can’t believe I’m playing alongside him now”.

In fact, when Tresson first debuted for the Seagulls back nearly 20 years ago, his young team-mate wasn’t even born. Should he play against Bohs on Monday, the veteran will make his 350th league appearance for the Seasiders.

But despite all his records with the Wicklow club, one achievement he can’t claim is that of being Bray’s youngest ever player. That honour has now fallen to Kavanagh who took the accolade when debuting on the opening day of the season against Dundalk just two months after his 17th birthday.

“I actually didn’t know I was until it was pointed out to me recently,” remarked the promising midfielder. “When I joined in January, I didn’t think I’d been near the first team. I was honestly surprised when (Bray manager) Eddie Gormley started me in a few pre-season games. And to play the first game against Dundalk was unbelievable. I really thought I’d get experience with the ‘A’ Championship team and U20’s before I’d make the first team. So be playing in the Premier Division is just a dream come true”.

It’s all been a whirlwind experience for the teenager who up to recently was playing schoolboy football with Belvedere FC. He is now combining playing at the highest level in Ireland with being a fourth year transition student at Oatlands College.

Another thing he is determined to do is come out of the shadow of his older brother and Shamrock Rovers star Paddy. “I’ve always looked up to him. People are already comparing us.  Paddy’s done really well over the past few years at UCD, Bray and now Rovers. It’s going to be tough for me. If I can do what he’s done and make my own mark, I’d be really happy,” said James.