The new sponsor of the main women’s football team—Ameztoi Anaiak—was unveiled today at noon at the Asti sports complex in Zarautz. During the event, board member Ibai San Sebastián thanked Ameztoi for its efforts to promote women’s football. “Women’s football is on the rise across all age groups; for the past two or three years, Zarautz’s senior team has been playing in the Basque League, while the girls’ and cadet teams are competing at the highest levels in Gipuzkoa,” said San Sebastián.
Aitor Ameztoi, the company’s owner, explained that they are willing to support such initiatives at the local level. “It is clear that women’s football receives less support than the men’s game, and we wanted to give it a boost. It has been a significant effort for us, given that sales have dropped during this difficult situation, but we wanted to make the effort.” However, this is not the first time Ameztoi has sponsored sports initiatives; the company also sponsors the Pagoeta mountain race and the Txaparrotan handball tournament. “We try to be good to those who need help.”
Ibai San Sebastián also highlighted the work the Zarautz City Council is doing to support women’s football. For her part, the city’s Sports Councillor, Leire Arana, thanked Ameztoi for his commitment to women’s football. “The Zarautz Sports Association is working hard to promote women’s football, and I believe the public should support the initiative as well. I want to encourage the people of Zarautz to come and watch the women’s matches, because we need to give women’s football a boost.”
Finally, Ibai San Sebastián thanked all the members who have been leading the football department for many years. “There is a natural changing of the guard in management; younger people are stepping in with enthusiasm, but we want to acknowledge the work done by our predecessors,” he said.
An Unusual Season
At Zarautz Kirol Elkartea, the main women’s team—currently competing in the Basque League—is the only football team playing matches. “The situation is complex because we don’t know if the league will move forward. We are committed to giving our best, and we, the players, also want to thank Ameztoi for their commitment to sponsoring us during this time. Although women’s football is making progress, finding sponsors isn’t easy,” explained team captain Marta Aranburu.