Parents’ fury as Hooters sponsor under-10s boys’ football team
CRITICS have cried foul after an under-tens football team posed in a new kit — sponsored by Hooters.
One fumed: “Who could think that’s appropriate?
“What next? Ann Summers sponsoring the Scouts or a lap dancing club advertising at school events?"
Hooters — a US bar and restaurant chain — is renowned for its attractive waitresses, who wear vest tops and orange shorts.
It has more than 400 diners in 29 countries but only one in the UK, in Nottingham.
The business has agreed a season-long deal with local side Burton Joyce FC under-tens for their new home strip.
The green kit features the brand's iconic owl, Hootie, and the name of the restaurant — which is also a slang word for boobs.
Hooters of Nottingham, which opened in 1998, proudly announced the sponsorship online with pictures of some of the boys and two of their waitresses in official merchandise.
They declared: “Hooters Nottingham are proud to be the new sponsors of Burton Joyce U10s.
“We wish you all the luck this season, boys. Go smash it.” The diner’s bosses had wanted to increase its appeal and foster better links with the community.
Most read in The Sun
And since the kit deal, the under-tens — who play in the Young Elizabethan League and were previously sponsored by an electrical firm — have never been so popular.
Some social media users poked fun at the deal. Lee Deewey said: “I’m guessing ALL the dads showed up for this match.”
Paul Renno joked: “Sunday morning just got more exciting — and it’s not for the chicken wings.” DJ Toby Tarrant chipped in: “Look how happy the lads are.”
Ben Adams wrote: “Nice one, Burton Joyce — you’ve done me proud lol.” Jason Humphries added: “Remember the football, boys — well done, Hooters.”
While Antony Edwards added: "Smiles on their faces, though.”
Burton Joyce were founded in 1990 and now have male and female youth, senior and disability sides. But the kit deal could see them falling foul of strict Football Association rules on sponsorship.
The FA forbids the incorporation on any item of clothing of anything it considers “detrimental to the welfare, health or general interest of young persons, or is otherwise considered inappropriate”.
One person on social media said: “These lads are under ten. I very much doubt they are aware of the sexual attraction of women. Wrong on so many levels.”
But others defended the Hooters’ staff, saying: “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.”
Another argued: “What’s wrong with them sponsoring the team?
“In the grand scheme of things Hooters is no big deal.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
Hooters, which was founded in 1983, is planning to open two more diners in Britain — in Liverpool and in Salford, Greater Manchester.
The football club and Hooters were contacted for comment.
