This weekend the First division and the Women’s National League kick off with the help of LOITV. Clarity regarding streaming services for the First Division has been a notable talking point in recent weeks. Little information was given as to how games could be viewed. Confusion over the price caused further uncertainty among fans.
Supporters may now find relief as LOITV was officially launched in recent days. Supporters of both the First Division and National Women’s League will now be able to stream all their matches online. Streaming passes cost €79 and allow pass-holders to view all 135 First Division games. All 108 National Women’s League games will also be available to stream for free on the site.
League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon compliments this service claiming it is ‘An exciting development for clubs in both the SSE Airtricity First Division and Women’s National League’. As Covid-19 regulations look to remain in place for the time being, there is little hope that supporters will return to football grounds in the near future.
The lack of income through ticket sales proves devastating to League of Ireland clubs. Sales raised through the purchase of Watch LOI and LOITV passes generates an alternative revenue while also giving fans an opportunity to follow their team. Funds raised through sales of these passes will go directly to your club.
A new technology for the League
The LOITV service will be broadcast via AI technology-based fixed cameras which have been allocated to each stadium. Additional commentary will be provided by each club. Automated camaras are a relatively new technology among League of Ireland clubs. Patience will be required for both clubs and viewers to acustom to this new way of viewing. Trial and error may be common in the opening games. Numerous League of Ireland clubs have experimented with automated camaras in their pre-season games. However, due to this being a paid service, camara quality and relialiance hopes to be more impressive.
Women’s National League
LOITV proves particularly beneficial for Irish women’s soccer. For the first time ever, all Women’s League games will be available to stream on one site, free of cost. Supporters simply need to register an account with the site, and can then proceed to view the games from the comfort of their own home. This is an important step for the Women’s League and aids massively in their promotion.
This step also helps achieve their goal to gain more interest and supporters. The 2021 League will consist of 9 clubs- Athlone Town, Bohemians, DLR Waves, Cork City, Galway WFC, Peamount United, Shelbourne, Treaty United and Wexford Youths. Peamount Utd are double champions, with back to back League wins in the last two years.
The season however is increasinly competitive, with further academy gradutes progressing to senior League teams across the country. Interest in women’s soccer continues to grow across the island, but promotion and support is needed. Women’s football is notably impressive in Ireland and taking some time to view some of these games would be highly recommedned!
Supporters can purchase their pass and view fixtures on https://www.loitv.ie/home . The First Division kicks off with four games on the 26th March, Wexford vs Cabinteely, Galway Utd vs Shelbourne, Cork City vs Cork Ramblers and UCD vs Athlone Town. The Women’s League begins with an exciting game on March 27th as League Champions Peamount Utd take on Wexford Youths.