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Drogheda United Launch New Season of Homeless Street League

L-R: Colin McKenna; Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator, Louth County Council; Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) Officer with Drogheda United FC; Alison Caldwell, Sláintecare Local Development Officer (Drogheda), Louth County Council; and Aiden Russell, pictured at the launch of the Homeless Street League Programme at Sullivan and Lambe Park.

Louth County Council and Drogheda United have launched a new season of the Homeless Street League, a community-based wellbeing initiative that uses the power of football to support people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.

Funded by Sláintecare Healthy Communities Seed Funding through Louth County Council and the Department of Health, the programme is designed to improve participants' physical and mental wellbeing while fostering social connection, confidence and inclusion.

Now in its second year in County Louth, the initiative is being delivered by Drogheda United in partnership with local referral agencies, The Red Door Project and Drogheda Homeless Aid.

Together, the organisations provide a supportive and welcoming environment where participants engage in weekly training sessions at Drogheda United’s Sullivan and Lambe Park while building positive relationships, developing routines and improving overall wellbeing.

By bringing together organisations from across the community and health sectors, the Homeless Street League addresses an identified need for accessible, wellbeing-focused supports for people experiencing homelessness.

The initiative complements existing homelessness services by creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, promoting dignity and encouraging long-term community participation.

Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, said: 

"This initiative is another example that demonstrates the power of partnership, and the positive role sport can play in creating more inclusive communities. The Homeless Street League offers participants an opportunity to improve their wellbeing, develop friendships and positively engage with their community. I commend Drogheda United, Louth County Council and the partner organisations involved for their commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community."

Aoife Burns, Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) Officer with Drogheda United FC, said:

"We are delighted to continue delivering the Homeless Street League in Drogheda. Football has a unique ability to bring people together and create positive connections, and this programme provides participants with a safe and supportive environment where they can build confidence, improve wellbeing and feel part of a team.
“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, and we look forward to creating further pathways for personal growth, inclusion and achievement through football."

Alison Caldwell, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Local Development Officer with Louth County Council, said:

"The Homeless Street League is an excellent example of how community-led initiatives can support health and wellbeing in a meaningful way. Through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, we are committed to reducing health inequalities and supporting projects that help people to connect with services, their community and one another. We are pleased to support Drogheda United and its partners in delivering this important programme."

The Homeless Street League forms part of the wider Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, which supports initiatives aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes and reducing inequalities in communities across Ireland.