Head in the Game LOI is a campaign that should be championed and supported by the League of Ireland community whenever possible.

This fantastic organisation was set up by a group of Dundalk fans after the tragic passing of Dundalk groundsman, Harry Taaffe.

The aim of the campaign is to start an ongoing conversation about mental health and well-being within our league.

2021 is set to a big year for Head in the Game as they look to expand even further and reach all corners of the country.

The founders decided to set up a committee made up of fans from around the country. I’ve even been accepted on to this committee, for which I’m humbly grateful to the lads as it’s a vital group that the league needs.

There are plenty of exciting plans in the pipeline for 2021.

Head in the Game Park

One such venture has been officially announced and is hopefully the start of an amazing year for Head in the Game LOI.

It was made official that newly promoted Premier Division side, Drogheda United changed the name of their ground for the 2021 season. United Park will now be called Head in the Game Park for the upcoming season.

This was made possible by Sinn Fein councillor and Drogheda United Community Liaison, Joanna Byrne.

Drogheda United ran a competition for the naming rights of the ground for this season. It was Joanna Byrne that won the competition several weeks back.

She reached out to Head in the Game and asked would the campaign be happy to be put forward for naming rights.

During the 2021 Premier Division, Drogheda will be playing their home games at Head in the Game Park.

A fantastic gesture by both Joanna Byrne and Drogheda United Football Club.

Drogheda United

This is very relevant to Drogheda United as the club has been doing excellent work during the off season.

They have set up community programs. These are in place to promote positive mental health throughout all of Drogheda town. The club offers free exercise classes, activities and communication opportunities for schools, clubs, and other community groups.

Other League of Ireland clubs like St. Patrick’s Athletic have set up similar initiatives for fans during these difficult and isolated times.

If anyone reading this feels that the Drogheda United community program would be of interest to them you can contact the clubs Community Development Officer, Barry Sanfey. His contact information can be found on the club’s official website and social media platforms.

Drogheda will be rolling out some more programs like this, do keep an eye out for them.

Check out your own local team. Most clubs are doing fabulous work during this pandemic to try and connect with fans.

Some unbelievable news for Head in the Game LOI.

Hopefully, it’s just the start of a stellar year for the integral mental health campaign.

Keep an eye on their social media platforms and help when you can too.

We’re a small community of loyal League of Ireland fans in this country. On-field rivalries to one side, we must continue to look out for each other.

Keep safe and continue to support local football.