The 2017 SSE Airtricity League season was officially launched at the Aviva Stadium yesterday and while much of this morning’s media coverage will focus on the change to a ten team Premier League it is hardly as if this was not flagged from a long way out.
The immediate pain of three teams being relegated from the top flight this season is the only way to equalise the two divisions in terms of number and structure without having a transition year of uneven numbers and bye weeks.
In time that will be seen as a short term hit that delivers a better balance for all 20 of the clubs involved at this level of the domestic game.
The season promises to be competitive at the top as well as the bottom with memories of Dundalk’s European adventure from the summer still fresh in the mind but with Cork City taking heart from their continued proximity to the Champions and success in the FAI Cup.
Shamrock Rovers have fresh sponsorship and investment on board and are likely to challenge again while the growth of the U19 and U17 Leagues in terms of player pathways will be seen again to greater effect this season.
SSE Airtricity are back on board as sponsors and looking forward to the new campaign kicking off ion ten days time.
“We are thrilled to be supporting the SSE Airtricity League for the eighth year running,” said Ronan Brady, Head of Marketing & Digital at the company.
“Each year the League goes from strength to strength and this year is no different,”
“As dedicated League sponsors, for the new season we wanted to create a concept that was completely different, therefore creating ‘The Next Generation of Legends’. We wanted to highlight the talent and success that the League has created through the years.
“Our League has created so many of our Irish Legends, so we want to encourage people to come and see the next generation in action right on your doorstep.”
“The appointment of a Marketing Executive for the League has been a huge step forward and that person will work closely with a new Marketing Group, which includes representatives from the clubs, sponsors, and the FAI, to devise ways of enhancing the overall promotion of the League,” added FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin, speaking at the launch of the League season.
“A new official League website will be live in the run-up to the opening round of games. Created in association with the German FA, the website will transform the live match experience for League supporters as well as bringing the latest news and videos to a mobile-optimised platform.”
“Television coverage remains paramount to the promotion of the League, so the commitment of both RTE and eir Sport to broadcast 28 live games is most welcome.”
“RTE will also continue to show ‘Soccer Republic’ and have some exciting plans for new features.”
The semi finals and final of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Senior Cup will also be televised live while extra international competition will be provided by Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers competing in the Scottish Challenge Cup for the first time.
Join Sport for Business in the build up to the League Season as we talk to some of the leading clubs about what they have done away from the pitch during the close season to make this a season to remember.
