Football is coming back - The SSE Airtricity Premier Division, First Division & SSE Airtricity Women's National League 2021 season is set to get underway next week after an online launch via the League Live Show on social media channels today. T
Football is coming back - The SSE Airtricity Premier Division, First Division & SSE Airtricity Women's National League 2021 season is set to get underway next week after an online launch via the League Live Show on social media channels today.
The 2021 Premier Division campaign will kick-off on Friday, March 19 before the First Division season begins on Friday, March 26 and the SSE Airtricity Women's National League starts a day later on Saturday, March 27.
Key Points from the 2021 season launch include:
- Government support for the League of Ireland praised
- Exemplary work from clubs to adhere to COVID-19 protocols
- Prize Money at the highest figure since 2010 in the Men's Leagues
- 141% increase in prize money in the Women's National League
- WATCHLOI and LOITV to bring the game to the fans
- Landmark moment as the Women’s National League and League of Ireland share a title sponsor for the first time
The 2021 season marks the beginning of a new sponsorship deal with SSE Airtricity for the Premier & First Division, and for the first time, the Women's National League while Bank of Ireland are now on board as Associate Sponsors.
League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon praised the commitment of SSE Airtricity to the development of Irish domestic football at today’s launch and said: "We are delighted to have SSE Airtricity as title sponsor for all three Divisions this year.
"The support for the League of Ireland from David Manning and all the team in SSE Airtricity over the past decade has been immense and by adding the Women’s National League to the sponsorship we feel that this partnership will develop even further over the next two seasons."
David Manning Marketing Director, SSE said: “I’m delighted to be part of the online season launch today of the SSE Airtricity Premier and First Division; and also our new commitment to the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League.
"I think for each of us – players, clubs, supporters and communities – the season launch is welcome news today and we’re all looking forward to the leagues kicking-off from March 19. Today we’re also introducing our ‘game of two halves’ campaign.
"When you look at both the men’s and women’s leagues, you’ll see some differences, yet one place you will find absolute parity is the “commitment of the players”. No matter the League the players train and play just as hard, just as passionately. At SSE Airtricity, we’re delighted to sponsor the whole game.
“On behalf of SSE Airtricity I’d like to wish the players and management across all SSE Airtricity League and SSE Airtricity Women’s National League clubs every success on the pitch this season; and wishing a season full of excitement and top-class action to all the fans”, continued David Manning.
Key quotes from League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon
On COVID-19 pandemic support
"Last season was unexpected and had many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic but we were delighted to bring the season to a successful conclusion, we thank the Government and Sport Ireland for their financial assistance and support of the League of Ireland. This support allowed us to complete the 2020 season and we welcome the support that we have received so far in 2021."
On work of the League of Ireland clubs
"There has been a significant amount of work in the off season by the League Department, the NLEC and the clubs. COVID-19 protocols have been updated, new rules have been implemented for the 2021 season to help deal with COVID-19 cases in clubs and workshops have taken place with Club Officials, Managers, Captains, Medical Staff, Event Controllers, COVID Compliance Officers, Referees representatives and Media Officers. Everyone is excited ahead of the kick-off and raring to go for a full season in 2021."
On Prize Money
"Prize money will increase to €600,000 this year in the Men’s leagues and this represents the highest figure since 2010, this is possible due to the support of SSE Airtricity and Bank of Ireland. We're also delighted to announce that the prize money for the Women’s National League increases by 141% this year to €50,000. Another significant support for the clubs this year is the continued waiving of affiliation fees and referees fees."
On Bank of Ireland’s associate sponsorship
"Bank of Ireland coming on board as associate sponsor to the League of Ireland is another key partnership for the future as we look to work with our clubs to expand the ‘More Than a Club’ programme, to enhance the community outreach of the League of Ireland."
On RTÉ broadcast deal
"RTÉ Sport have renewed their commitment to the League of Ireland with a new broadcasting deal for the Premier Division which includes TV and the WATCHLOI streaming platform. We are also very excited about the recent announcement of LOI TV and the new platform will allow us to work with the clubs to stream all First Division and Women’s National League games. Bringing all games to the clubs’ loyal fans is the most important objective and we hope to see a return to stadiums during the season."
On European competition
"The success of Dundalk in the UEFA Europa League last season highlights the great opportunity for our clubs to build on this success in the UEFA Champions League and the newly formed UEFA Europa Conference League this year. Peamount United will also represent the Women’s National League in the UEFA Women’s Champions League."
