The result was disappointing with Raheny United going down to a 4-0 defeat in the UEFA Women’s Champions’ League last night but the coverage across all media and the live streaming of the match were another big step forward for the parity of esteem between men’s and women’s sport we have long advocated.
A crowd of over 1,200 was present at Richmond Park for the first leg of the Round of 32 knockout match and many times more will have watched the game. The attendance is almost half the number that were at the Brandywell on Tuesday for Derry City’s win over Shamrock Rovers.
Almost 4,500 checked out the action on a live stream link from The Score.ie in another example of how traditional channels of broadcast and sporting delivery are morphing almost daily.
“There remains a massive lack of coverage and exposure for women’s sport,” said AerTV Director Philippe Brodeur.
“Raheny United are setting the standards for women’s soccer in this country. They have achieved great success already and are the only team in the Champions League who are not full time and paid for their efforts.”
“We are delighted to step in to provide accessibility worldwide and show off their skills. I’m sure families of both teams who can’t attend will appreciate the coverage also”.
The advance of streaming technology and the willingness of younger viewers to absorb sport anywhere and everywhere on mobile devices as well as on the 50 inch screens has been a real boost to sports which otherwise would not have had access to the power of ‘moving pictures’.
AerTV has worked with athletics, cricket and hockey in self-broadcasting key fixtures to a wider audience and enhancing their own sponsorship profile. With limited air time available on traditional television, self-broadcasting is proving an increasingly popular option.
Raheny United will get a chance to play in front of a mainstream TV audience when the Women’s Continental Tyres FAI Cup Final is broadcast from the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 2nd November. They take on UCD Waves, only a second season team at the top flight, in the game preceding the Men’s final.
