S4C has launched its new-look football portfolio, which features exclusive free-to-air coverage of domestic and international games over the next four seasons.
Under the refreshed Sgorio brand, coverage will include:
•live and highlights packages of the Principality Welsh Premier League and Welsh Cup matches in Sgorio Cymru, broadcast on Saturdays;
•Europe’s top clubs in the La Liga, Bundesliga and Eredivisie leagues, as well as highlights from the Principality Welsh Premiership on Monday night’s Sgorio;
•highlights of Wales’ 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign;
•Sgorio Bach, a football programme for youngsters - a mini version of Sgorio on Tuesday afternoons.
English-language commentary will be available as part of S4C's red button digital service. Where rights allow, Sgorio programmes will be available to watch on-line for 35 days following transmission on www.s4c.co.uk/watch
The new line-up was launched at the Wales v Georgia friendly match at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium. Highlights of the game are available to watch on-line at s4c.co.uk/watch.The programme also include highlights of the Under 21s crucial match versus Romania from Wrexham.
The Saturday evening Sgorio Cymru show is anchored by Alun Williams. He is joined by Nic Parry on Monday night's Sgorio magazine. Morgan Jones will report from different venues throughout the country and Gareth Roberts will front the international coverage.
Former Wales internationals John Hartson, Malcolm Allen and Dai Davies are among an authoritative team providing match analysis.
The coverage follows a new four-year agreement with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), which gives S4C terrestrial television rights to Welsh international and domestic football until 2012.
Geraint Rowlands, S4C’s Content Editor Sport said: "The relaunch of Sgorio demonstrates S4C’s ongoing commitment to Welsh football through our partnership with the FAW. With more than 85 hours a year of coverage, there will be regular action from a range of competitions in Wales and beyond. Our authoritative team of presenters and commentators will provide expert analysis and insight as Sgorio follows the fortunes of our teams on the domestic and international stage. "
Sgorio coverage is produced for S4C by independent television production company Rondo. A comprehensive website will accompany the television coverage: www.s4c.co.uk/sgorio.
