Captain Armband Launch
Head In The Game launch armband campaign as Louth derby looks “Beyond Rivalries”
Photo by Ciaran Culligan Photography
Head In The Game will launch its annual armband campaign this coming Friday at the Louth Derby between Dundalk and Drogheda. Both teams will warm-up in HITG t-shirts before Fridays showdown, with “Beyond Rivalries” being the key message.
Speaking today HITG Chairperson Dean Arrowsmith said:
“We’re thrilled to launch this initiative again this year, and hope it raises plenty of awareness on derby night. Thank you to all in both Dundalk and Drogheda for their continued support, and thank you to the FAI for facilitating us and supporting us with this initiative for the second year running.
“If it encourages one person to speak-up about the issues or challenges they face with either friends or a mental health professional then it is worth every bit of time and effort.”
The campaign runs for the month of May, it being mental health month, with all team captains of League of Ireland Premier Division, First Division, and Women’s National League wearing the HITG armband for the month.
“As a club, we place a huge emphasis on raising awareness about mental health and it is great to see Head In The Game launch their armband campaign for a second year,” said Dundalk FC chief operating officer Martin Connolly.
“Sport thrives on great rivalries but we are delighted to work alongside our Louth neighbours at Drogheda United to try and highlight that a person’s mental health and wellbeing is more important than anything happens on a football pitch.”
Drogheda United Chairman Conor Hoey said;
"We are delighted to continue our strong association with Head In The Game to promote the importance of good mental health. To work together with our friends at Dundalk shows that some things, such as looking out for one another, are more important than football."
Photograph by Ciaran Culligan Photography
Derek O’Neill Community Development Manager welcomed the initiative;
“The League of Ireland Department is once again proud to support the Captain’s Armband initiative and encourages all SSE Airtricity League Men’s and Women’s clubs to lend their support to highlight the importance of good mental health.
Head in the Game has evolved directly from a base of motivated League of Ireland fans to encourage football fans, players, club staff and their families to promote the conversation and tackle mental health issues. The armband initiative is a gesture to be applauded and we would like to encourage all clubs to support and participate in this easy and effective campaign during May, which is designated mental health awareness month.”
HITG is a mental health foundation focusing on promoting conversations in Irish football around mental health and wellbeing; targeting players, staff and fans at all levels and abilities. More information can be found at www.headinthegame.ie
