For the second year in a row, SSE Airtricity and the League of Ireland have teamed up to dedicate their sponsorship branding to LGBT Ireland in advance of Pride Month (June).
To date, 6,000 people have been supported by the National LGBT+ Helpline, which has been fully funded by SSE Airtricity making it a free service by LGBT Ireland since 2022.
LGBT Ireland is a national support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people as well as their families and friends. The organisation provides a comprehensive range of services that offers support and information around sexuality and gender identity.
The national support service recorded a 53.5% increase in people using the chat function, a 12% increase of new users to their website, and a 21% increase in email requests last year following the campaign.
As title sponsor of the SSE Airtricity Men’s and Women’s Premier Division, and the Men’s First Division, SSE Airtricity together with the League of Ireland, are dedicating their existing and new sponsorship spaces to promote the National LGBT+ Helpline within clubs and communities, and among fans.
This continued sponsorship allows LGBT Ireland to raise awareness of its essential services as well as supporting volunteer training and vetting.
The branding takeover will take place for the following fixtures this Thursday, May 23rd, Friday, May 24th, and Saturday, May 25th, 2024
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division – Thursday May 23rd, 2024 – 19:45
Waterford v Drogheda United
SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division – Friday May 24th, 2024 – 19:45
Cork City v Treaty United
SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division – Saturday May 25th, 2024 – 19:45
Shamrock Rovers v Galway United
The Waterford Vs Drogheda United match is being televised live on Virgin Media and the Shamrock Rovers Vs Galway United game on TG4 adding to the reach of the campaign
SSE Airtricity, the League of Ireland, and LGBT Ireland are encouraging clubs to take part in promoting their shared values of inclusion and diversity to build awareness of the essential national services.
“Since coming on board in 2022, we’ve seen the huge impact the fully funded National LGBT+ Helpline has had, with thousands of people availing of LGBT Ireland’s vital services,” said Ashley Morrow, Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, SSE Airtricity.
“The power of sport and the feeling of belonging it provides for people can’t be underestimated, and so we know that by combining forces with our partners at the League of Ireland once again for this year’s takeover, we will raise further awareness of the helpline and continue to help build a more open and inclusive culture across communities.”
“The League of Ireland is proud to be a part of this brilliant initiative with our partners SSE Airtricity and to support the incredibly important work done by LGBT Ireland,” added Mark Scanlon, Director of the League of Ireland.
“Football is the most played and watched sport in the world and as community institutions, our Clubs are diverse and strong social entities that are open to all.”
“We’re delighted that SSE Airtricity have decided to once again dedicate their sponsorship space to promote this important message to all our supporters, officials, players and Clubs. Together with all stakeholders we will continue to make League of Ireland football a welcoming environment and ensure that football remains inclusive and diverse. I would encourage all League of Ireland supporters to help create awareness for the LGBT Ireland helpline and the work that is being done by this brilliant organisation.”
“Coming together to cheer on our favourite clubs and players is one of the most powerful parts of the football community,” said Paula Fagan, CEO, LGBT Ireland.
“However, for LGBTQI+ fans hearing homophobic chants echo around the stands or seeing abusive language used on social media it sometimes feels like we are not welcome.”
“We are proud to be part of this collaboration with SSE Airtricity and the League of Ireland as we work together to build an environment where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is visible, respected and feels they belong.”
SSE Airtricity, the League of Ireland and Sporting Pride are all full members of the Sport for Business Community.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations including all the leading sports and sponsors, commercial and state agencies.
Find out more about joining us today.
Be part of the biggest community of sporting and business organisations in Ireland by becoming a member of Sport for Business and enjoying a host of benefits.
Check out our previous and upcoming events to discover ways of connecting in person with our membership.
