Photo/LCC: 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.
Drogheda United and Louth County Council have launched a new season of the Homeless Street League, using football to support people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion in the Drogheda area.
Now in its second year in County Louth, the programme gives participants the opportunity to take part in weekly football training while also focusing on physical and mental wellbeing, confidence and social connection.
The initiative is delivered by Drogheda United in partnership with local referral agencies The Red Door Project and Drogheda Homeless Aid.
Weekly sessions take place at Drogheda United’s Sullivan and Lambe Park, giving participants a regular routine, the chance to build relationships and the opportunity to become part of a team environment.
The programme is funded through Sláintecare Healthy Communities Seed Funding via Louth County Council and the Department of Health.
Two participants selected for national team trials
Drogheda United’s Social and Environmental Sustainability Officer Aoife Burns said the club had already seen the difference the programme can make.
“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,” she said.
Two participants, Colin McKenna and Aiden Russell, have also been selected for trials for the national 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,” Burns said.
The programme builds on work already carried out in Drogheda through the Irish Homeless Street League.
In 2025, a ten-week football and wellbeing programme involved participants from Drogheda Homeless Aid and The Red Door Project, alongside health and wellbeing supports.
Supporting people through football
Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power said the initiative showed how local organisations can work together to provide additional support in the community.
“The Homeless Street League offers participants an opportunity to improve their wellbeing, develop friendships and positively engage with their community,” he said.
“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.”
The wider Louth Irish Homeless Street League has previously combined football with practical supports aimed at improving wellbeing and inclusion. Louth County Council says the programme has included health information, workshops and opportunities for social connection.
Alison Caldwell, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Local Development Officer with Louth County Council, said reducing health inequalities was central to the programme.
“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,” she said.
“We are pleased to support Drogheda United and its partners in delivering this important programme.”
The Homeless Street League complements existing homelessness services in Drogheda by offering participants another way to engage with their community, develop a routine and improve their wellbeing through sport.
