League of Ireland Clubs Provide A Silver Lining in the Wake of FAI Difficulties

The perilous financial situation faced by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is shocking and sad for all those who love the sport. But this should not be allowed to cast a shadow on growing success of SSE Airtricity League of Ireland clubs.

Before the most recent news broke about the FAI, League of Ireland clubs were preparing for a new season with rising season ticket sales off the back of a growing interest in domestic football from fans and investors.

Last year, attendances at Bohemians were up 35%, Derry City up 26%, Shamrock Rovers up 21% and St Patrick’s Athletic up 17%. A record 7,021 people attended the big derby game between Shamrock Rovers and Bohs at the Tallaght Stadium last August and Richmond Park, Oriel Park, The Showgrounds and United Park all hosted sell-out fixtures during the season.

At Future Ticketing, we have gained an insight into just how hard the various clubs have been working to engage fans and build attendances including embracing new technologies such as digital ticketing and social media to modernise their offering to supporters.

On average, attendances at League of Ireland matches powered by Future Ticketing’s digital platform grew by 13% last season. We are currently working with with the top seven League of Ireland Clubs and ten in total with Galway United the latest recruit going live this week.

Given the dedication and loyalty of so many people across the country, from grassroots up to the domestic league level, it is heart-breaking to see the FAI in such dire straits. Yet we must not lose sight of the 180,000 active players in the country or the 500,000 attending domestic fixtures annually.

Whatever the outcome for Football at association level over the coming months, there is at least the comfort in knowing that there is a strong core support base and a growing interest among the general public in the League of Ireland. Having suffered more than most under the old FAI regime, the League of Ireland should not become collateral damage for events not of its own making.

Our latest news

Our latest news

Future Ticketing and Doncaster Knights extend partnership

News

Future Ticketing and Doncaster Knights extend partnership
Dashboard Connect: a game changer for away ticket sales

News

Dashboard Connect: a game changer for away ticket sales
Future Ticketing clinches extended deals as League of Ireland attendances soar

News

Future Ticketing clinches extended deals as League of Ireland attendances soar
Future Ticketing enters French horse racing market

News

Future Ticketing enters French horse racing market
Future Ticketing extends partnerships with two UK racecourses

News

Future Ticketing extends partnerships with two UK racecourses
Future Ticketing announces partnership renewals with two ice hockey clubs

News

Future Ticketing announces partnership renewals with two ice hockey clubs
Future Ticketing integration with Happy Fan enhances fan engagement

News

Future Ticketing integration with Happy Fan enhances fan engagement
Future Ticketing nominated for Sports Innovation Award

News

Future Ticketing nominated for Sports Innovation Award
Future Ticketing partners with GoCardless

News

Future Ticketing partners with GoCardless
Future Ticketing looks forward with Ryft Partnership

News

Future Ticketing looks forward with Ryft Partnership
Cover Genius and Future Ticketing Partner for Next Generation Sport Fan Experience

News

Cover Genius and Future Ticketing Partner for Next Generation Sport Fan Experience
Future Ticketing Secures Multi-Year Deal to Revolutionize US Parks and Attractions with Innovative Clover-Powered App

News

Future Ticketing Secures Multi-Year Deal to Revolutionize US Parks and Attractions with Innovative Clover-Powered App
Future Ticketing making ground in US horseracing market

News

Future Ticketing making ground in US horseracing market
Future Ticketing empowers Autism in Racing at Pontefract Racecourse

News

Future Ticketing empowers Autism in Racing at Pontefract Racecourse
Dundee FC announces Future Ticketing as new ticketing partner

News

Dundee FC announces Future Ticketing as new ticketing partner
Dundee United renews partnership with Future Ticketing

News

Dundee United renews partnership with Future Ticketing
Glentoran FC and St. Johnstone FC renew partnerships with Future Ticketing

News

Glentoran FC and St. Johnstone FC renew partnerships with Future Ticketing
Future Ticketing launch Push Notifications

News

Future Ticketing launch Push Notifications
Future Ticketing announce partnerships with two SSE Airtricity First Division clubs

News

Future Ticketing announce partnerships with two SSE Airtricity First Division clubs
Future Ticketing announced as ticketing partner to The Jockey Club

News

Future Ticketing announced as ticketing partner to The Jockey Club
Future Ticketing announce partnership with York Stadium

News

Future Ticketing announce partnership with York Stadium
Linfield and Ballymena United extend partnerships with Future Ticketing

News

Linfield and Ballymena United extend partnerships with Future Ticketing
Loughgall and Portadown join Future Ticketing

News

Loughgall and Portadown join Future Ticketing
Halifax Show signs multi-year deal with Future Ticketing

News

Halifax Show signs multi-year deal with Future Ticketing
ULNK integrate ticketing functionality through Future Ticketing API

News

ULNK integrate ticketing functionality through Future Ticketing API