England ‘keeper seeks sponsors for golfing event

A charity golf tournament organised by England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is looking for a headline sponsor.

The sponsorship is likely to cost about &£250,000, although it is understood the organisers have not decided whether that will come from one overall sponsor or several partners.

The Paul Robinson World Cup of Golf Day and Gala Dinner will take place at Wentworth Golf Club on May 8 next year. The event is in aid of children’s charity Rays of Sunshine, which helps terminally and seriously ill children. Brazilian football legend Pele will be the guest of honour at the tournament.

As well as naming rights and branding throughout the event, sponsors will be able to buy up to three tables. The package includes the entry of a team in the tournament.

Robinson works with a number of companies which have already pledged support and is actively promoting the sponsorship opportunity to investment banks and luxury car brands.

The tournament takes place just two weeks before the England team fly out to the World Cup in Germany and Robinson is expected to be joined by squad members including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen. Invitations have also gone out to former players, such as Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne, Jurgen Klinsmann and Marco van Basten.

Robinson, whose wife Rebecca works closely with Rays of Sunshine, says: “With the spotlight on the World Cup and its players, it felt like the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the charity’s work as well as some money.”