Drogheda United FC has partnered with Louth County Council and Healthy Louth to launch the Not Around Us campaign, a national initiative to keep children smoke‑free. The club will host a Not Around Us Blitz for local U10 teams at Sullivan and Lambe Park on Saturday 19 September.
Campaign Overview
Not Around Us, funded through Healthy Ireland, encourages people not to smoke or vape in places where children and young people are present. The programme aims to reduce second‑hand smoke exposure, highlight the environmental impact of discarded cigarette butts and vapes, and promote awareness of HSE Quit services. Children are especially vulnerable to the health risks of second‑hand smoke, including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections.
Matchday Initiatives
Drogheda United has integrated the campaign into matchday activities. Supporters are asked to avoid smoking and vaping in areas of Sullivan and Lambe Park where children are likely to gather, such as near food outlets and family areas. The club has introduced under‑age half‑time games in which young players wear Not Around Us branded bibs, reinforcing the message in a fun, engaging way.
Community Impact
With thousands of supporters attending League of Ireland matches each season and hundreds of young people participating in academy and community programmes, Drogheda United is well positioned to model healthy behaviours. The upcoming Blitz on 19 September will bring local U10 teams to the park for a smoke‑free, vape‑free event, further encouraging families to enjoy match days in a cleaner environment.
Quotes
Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, said: “Drogheda United plays an important role in our community and reaches people of all ages. The Not Around Us campaign is a positive initiative that helps create a healthier and more welcoming environment for children, young people and families attending matches. I am delighted to see the club continue this work, and I encourage supporters to get behind the campaign and help make matchdays smoke‑free and vape‑free around areas where young people are present.”
Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability Officer at Drogheda United, added: “Our younger fans expressed a wish to experience match nights at Sullivan and Lambe Park in a smoke‑free and vape‑free setting, and the introduction of the Not Around Us campaign certainly helped with that last season. As a club, we are proud to stand for a healthier matchday experience, and we are grateful to Healthy Louth and Louth County Council for their continued support.”
Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, noted: “Children and young people are especially vulnerable to the effects of second‑hand smoke because their lungs are still developing. The Not Around Us campaign is about creating healthier spaces where young people can enjoy matches and activities without being exposed to smoking or vaping. Drogheda United has shown great leadership in making matchdays healthier, cleaner and more family‑friendly, and Healthy Louth is delighted to continue working with the club on this important initiative.”
