Under-10s football team told to terminate sponsorship deal with Hooters by the FA

An under-10s football team in Nottingham has been told they need to "cease" their sponsorshop deal with restaurant chain Hooters.

Earlier this week, Facebook page Hooters of Nottingham announced their pride at becoming Burton Joyce Football Club U10s new sponsor for the 2022/23 campaign. "We wish you all the luck this season boys," they wrote. "Go smash it."

The post, however, received backlash online, with some suggesting the decision was inappropriate.

One person said: “These lads are under 10. I very much doubt they are aware of the sexual attraction of woman. Wrong on so many levels,” while a second echoed: “Could’ve gone [with a] more appropriate age range.”

While there was some backlash to the deal, some had no issue with the restaurant chain sponsoring Burton Joyce's youth side.

"They wear vest tops and shorts. What's the problem? Are you assuming vest tops and shorts equates to scantily clad? G-string and a peep bra is scantily clad. Having one's arms and legs on display is not inappropriate," wrote one Twitter user.

Another added: "What's wrong with them sponsoring the team? On the grand scheme of things Hooters is no big deal."

Since the post was deleted on social media, the Football Association have reacted to the incident.

Elaine Oram, who is the senior safeguarding lead for Nottinghamshire FA, told the BBC a letter had been sent to Burton Joyce FC telling them they need to "cease" the sponsorship deal.

A statement read: "The County FA had not been approached by the club seeking sanction for the sponsorship and had we have been, the request would have been declined in accordance with FA rules appertaining to the Kit and Advertising Regulations.

"From being made aware of the sponsorship we have been working with the club to reinforce their understanding of the regulations surrounding such sponsorship.

"We understand the difficult climate that grassroots football operates within and urge any club seeking investment from sponsorship that they are fully aware of the regulations or contact us for clarification."

As noted on the FA website under Kit and Advertising Regulations, it states that when players are under 18, their clothing and equipment must not feature any product, service or other activity which is considered by The Association as detrimental to the welfare, health or general interest of young persons, or is otherwise considered inappropriate, having regard to the age of the players or Match Officials.

Examples include age-restricted products, services and related activities such as alcohol and gambling. Pubs or restaurants, meanwhile, may be permissible "unless the establishment primarily or exclusively exists for the supply and consumption of alcohol".