Drogheda United have teamed up with Louth County Council to launch a new season of the Homeless Street League. The community-based wellbeing initiative uses football to support vulnerable people and promote social inclusion across County Louth.
A partnership for inclusion
Now in its second year, the programme is funded by Sláintecare Healthy Communities Seed Funding through the council and the Department of Health. It is delivered by Drogheda United in partnership with local referral agencies including The Red Door Project and Drogheda Homeless Aid. Weekly training sessions take place at the club's Sullivan and Lambe Park facilities.
Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, praised the initiative. "This initiative is another example that demonstrates the power of partnership, and the positive role sport can play in creating more inclusive communities," he said.
Positive impact on participants
Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability Officer with Drogheda United FC, highlighted the programme's tangible success. "We have already seen the positive impact the programme can have on individuals, with two of our participants in the programme, Colin McKenna and Aiden Russell, being selected for trials for the national team," Burns said.
The programme is designed to improve participants' physical and mental wellbeing while fostering social connection, confidence and inclusion. Alison Caldwell serves as the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Local Development Officer with Louth County Council for the project.
Club context on the pitch
Community work continues as the first team builds momentum on the pitch. Drogheda United currently sit ninth in the Premier Division standings with 34 points from 31 matches. Their recent form has seen them score 4 goals in their last two games, securing consecutive victories over Shelbourne and Sligo Rovers. They head into their next fixture, away to third-placed Bohemians, on the back of that positive run, which has provided a timely boost ahead of a challenging schedule. The team's overall performance data can be tracked on the club's stats page.
More detail at Irish Independent
