League of Ireland Clubs in the Community Impact report, From Pitch to Place published
A new report detailing the depth of work in the community that League of Ireland Clubs contribute to society has been released through a collaboration with SETU, Healthy Ireland and the League of Ireland.
The report reveals strong evidence of the benefits provided to participants in several programmes that LOI Clubs do in conjunction with the League of Ireland including its Walking Football and Down Syndrome Futsal initiatives:
- Almost all (93.1%) participants report that their overall health improved due to Walking Football
- 62.5% are better able to perform their usual daily activities without problems since starting Walking Football in the League of Ireland
- 94% agreed their children were more confident in trying new activities since starting the Down Syndrome Futsal with the LOI
- 65% said of parents in Down Syndrome Futsal felt less isolated due to the connections made with other parents/guardians
The findings also reveal strong insights about the League of Ireland’s programmes for Autistic children.
- Being part of a genuine football club fostered pride, self-esteem, and a powerful sense of inclusion among Autistic children, helping them see themselves as valued players rather than outsiders
- The structured, supportive nature of the Autism Football Initiatives helps children develop patience, communication, and everyday functional skills that complement therapeutic goals and promote independence
These programmes feature as part of the FAI’s More Than a Club Programme where participants found:
- 72% of respondents believed the programme is having a significant impact on increasing pride in the local area
- 70% believed the programme is having a significant impact on strengthening their community’s cultural identity
- 79% believed it is having a significant impact on improving the club’s reputation as a community-focused organisation
League of Ireland Social & Environmental Sustainability Manager, Derek O’Neill said: “Utilising the engagement power of football and the profile of League of Ireland clubs can help to change people’s lives for the better. LOI Clubs are now part of a social innovation which can simultaneously benefit them, their communities and Irish society by promoting social cohesion. However, funding from agencies such as Healthy Ireland and other State and Corporate sources is essential if clubs are to scale up this impact.
The evaluation indicates that the social return on investment is significant. I believe the impact report delivered by the research team at SETU, Waterford provides a strong evidence base for potential funders to justify their support for such initiatives. I look forward to the day very soon when every League of Ireland club countrywide can be adequately supported to actively deliver social and environmental initiatives and consolidate their positions as trusted partners to deliver social good in their communities.”
Undoubtedly, the stronger community connections being forged and impactful social programmes being delivered on this scale suggests a positive upward trajectory for League of Ireland clubs as they reinforce their position as anchor social and community institutions and a focal point for identity and civic pride locally.
Notes
Healthy Ireland is the national Framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Ireland. It is a government-led initiative that aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy good physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society.
“More than a Club” is programme led by the Football Association of Ireland’s League of Ireland Department to assist LOI Clubs to develop capacity for developing and delivering Football themed social responsibility programmes.
SETU (South Eastern Technological University) – the team of researchers from SETU who compiled the “From Pitch to Place” impact report included Dr. Barry Lambe, Dr. Aisling McGrath and Ellen Lavery.
Suggested Citation;
Lambe, B., Lavery, E. & McGrath, A. (2025). From Pitch to Place: The League of Ireland’s ‘More than a Club’ Initiative. Impact Report on Wellbeing, Inclusion and Civic Value. South East Technological University.
