Winchmore Brickwork have proudly agreed to sponsor the KOPA League for up to the next 3 seasons. Winchmore Brickwork was established in 1985 and are based in the heart of north London, serving blue chip clients nationally. The business is owned by UK Cypriot, Tony Yianni, who has received the Freeman of the City of London for services to the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. The sponsorship has come at a difficult time with COVID-19 impacting both business and sport. It is a fantastic boost and vote of confidence for the KOPA league from a local business that is very respected in the construction industry.

Kypros Kyprianou, Chairman of KOPA said, ‘It has been several years since KOPA had a lead sponsor and I would like to thank Tony Yianni for his generosity in supporting our activities and plans. Tony and I met by chance very recently and we got talking about KOPA. The vision to build the league up again beyond just football but to be a community focal point for young people to compete in sport, to network, build friendships and relationships through this, resonates with Tony. Tony has used his business to inspire young people to get into the construction sector and we would like to use football and KOPA to extend beyond a game of football on a Sunday morning. When the league was formed in 1975, it was a key pillar of the Cypriot community in London and we want it to continue this for future generations. Tony has stepped forward at a difficult time for business and sport and we are grateful for this. He also agreed to continue with the sponsorship despite the recent lockdown as he sees this as a long term partnership’.

Tony Yianni, Owner and Managing Director of Winchmore Brickwork responded ‘I am delighted to sponsor KOPA and hope that my involvement will extend beyond the financial commitment made by our business to the league. I would like to get involved in helping to attract and inspire young people into community sport and to help them with their aspirations both on and off the field. The league can play an important part in our community, especially as we work and live through the challenges of COVID-19. I look forward to being part of it’.

As part of the relationship between KOPA and Winchmore Brickwork, we will see the launch of the Winchmore Brickwork Careers in Construction Scheme. This will encourage young people in our community interested in a career in construction to sign up for a work based training programme. Tony added ‘I want to give young people an opportunity to experience what a career in construction can look like and the rewards available. I have personally benefited so much from the industry, I want to inspire the next generation. Many of us once dreamed of being footballers but if it hasn’t worked out and young people are interested in a rewarding career, I think this is a good option. It’s been great for me.’

Tony Yianni recieved Freeman of the City of London for services to the Worshipful Company of Tylers and  Bricklayers.

KOPA Football League action

Kypros Kyprianou Chairman of KOPA football League