Sligo Rovers Football Club is delighted to announce PHD Access will become the club’s first Diamond Partner for the 2024 season.

PHD Access is an international award-winning scaffolding and access provider with operations in Ireland, UK, Denmark, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Dubai and the Bahamas.

Founded by Sligo native Bernard Dwyer, the company has been a consistent supporter of the club since 2015.

Sean Dwyer, International Director for PHD Access expressed his delight at the opportunity for PHD to continue their support for his dad’s hometown club stating:

“We are thrilled to be extending our support to the Men’s Sligo Rovers Football Club for the eighth consecutive year.

“This long standing partnership reflects our shared values of dedication, excellence, and community engagement. We look forward to another exciting season of football and collaboration.”

While this marks the eighth consecutive year of collaboration, the company has committed to its most significant commercial partnership to date with the club.
The PHD Access logo will feature prominently on the back of the jerseys, while the company will also become the club’s first Diamond Partner announced under the club’s new tiered commercial partnership model.

The partnership aligns with PHD’s dedication and commitment to fostering growth and development in both sports and construction.

Sligo Rovers Chairman, Tommy Higgins, warmly welcomed the new partnership with PHD Access.

“We are excited to add PHD Access as a Diamond Partner for the 2024 season.

 “The company is hugely successful in the construction industry with global operations across a number of countries and are fantastic partners to have on board.

“As a community owned club, it is becoming even more important to align with businesses such as PHD Access. They are exactly the type of partners that will help contribute to the continued success of Sligo Rovers on and off the pitch.

“We know that the club’s community focus is a big attraction for the company matching their own. We are really pleased to have the company’s support year after year and feel the partnership will only grow stronger ”

https://www.phdaccess.ie/

Feature Image: Ed McGinty with PHD Access logo on back of shirt

OPENING HOME GAME THIS SATURDAY

We are looking forward to our return to the Showgrounds. Tickets are currently still available for our first home game of the season this Saturday night. We would encourage supporters to secure their ticket early to avoid disappointment. Ticket sales have been very strong and as last year’s opening home game sold out, we are expecting a large crowd.

This Saturday, 24th February 7:45pm v Derry City

https://srfcdirect.com/match-tickets/?ftredirect=1

HOME GAME ENTRY PRICE

Ticket prices for our men’s 18 home games will be as follows:

• Adult – €20
• Concession – €12
• U12 – €5

There will be no separate categories of games with the same entry price for the all home games of the 2024 season.

SEASON TICKETS

Supporters are encouraged to purchase a Season Ticket which remains, both the best value, and best way to support our supporter-owned club for the year ahead.

If you intend on purchasing a Season Ticket please allow enough time to purchase and collect should you intend to use it for our opening game this Saturday, 24th February. Season Tickets can be collected this week in the Showgrounds during normal working hours until Friday. There will also be a short collection period this Saturday from 2pm -4pm in the Showgrounds.

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/?ftredirect=1

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Seating is open in the Showgrounds except for those seats reserved through Adult Gold (Secure Your Seat) initiative. 

Season Ticket holders can reserve a specific seat for all home games for an additional cost of €60 with all funds going towards the cost of running the club.

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/?ftredirect=1

Should you have already purchased your Season Ticket and wish to secure your seat you can arrange in the Showgrounds by Friday 12am for it to be ready for opening game.

MATCH E-PROGRAMME

As part of entry to our home games the club will make a complimentary e-programme available to supporters. This will be accessible via QR codes at various points inside the entrance of the Showgrounds. 

To access the programme supporters can scan the QR code using their mobile phone camera. This will then provide a clickable link to download the e-programme. The e-programme will require internet access on supporters mobile phones to download. 

The decision not to undertake a physical programme for the season ahead was a difficult decision to make, with the printed programme becoming less viable year on year. As an alternative a complimentary e-programme was felt the best way forward for our supporter owned club.

HERITAGE NEWSLETTER

The Sligo Rovers Heritage group will provide a separate physical newsletter for collectors and supporters for a fee of €2, which can be purchased inside the entrance to the Showgrounds.

“Sligo Rovers Heritage Group was formed in 2012 with the objective of promoting and preserving the club’s history and heritage.
The Group has hosted local exhibitions, arranged, visits of former players, and has published two books, ‘Stories of the Showgrounds’ and the ‘Official Sligo Rovers History’, regarded as the most comprehensive history produced by a League of Ireland Club. The Group has also provided an outdoor museum display at the Showgrounds, the first facility of its kind in the country“

The first edition will be on sale at the first home league game of the season against Derry City, and contains features on David Pugh’s time in America, former players Gerry McDaid and Danny Ventre, along with tribute to former Chair of the Heritage Group, the late Aidan Mannion.The newsletter is priced at a very reasonable €2 and supporters are encouraged to support.

JINKS AVENUE – HOME SECTION

The home section of the Jinks Avenue stand will become standing only for the season ahead. This was a condition as part of the club licensing process. We would like to thank Forza, BORST, and other club volunteers for their help in removing the seating. With the removal of the floodlight pylons the view from the Jinks Avenue has significantly improved and the return to terracing will offer our supporters an alternative to our seated areas.

NEW MEGASTORE LOCATION

The Megastore has been moved from the BORST club house to a new location on the left before the Tracey Avenue stand. We would like to thank BORST and other club volunteers for their extensive help in refitting the new shop which is a welcome addition to the Showgrounds.

WOMEN’S TEAM

The women’s team’s season begins on Saturday 9th March away to Shelbourne in Tolka Park at 2:00pm. There will be 10 home league games in the Showgrounds with a new regular start time of 7:00pm on a Saturday night, unless otherwise advised. 

Supporters are encouraged to show their support by purchasing a Season Ticket or attending home games for 2024. The cost of a Season Ticket is €50 and helps fund the growth of our Women’s team which is in its third year. Season Tickets can be purchased below:

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/?ftredirect=1

VOLUNTEERING WITH OUR CLUB

Our supporter-owned club is built on the dedication and hard work of our committed volunteers. If anyone is interested in becoming involved as match-night volunteer for 2024, they are encouraged to contact: shane@sligorovers.com. 

Our match-nights are made possible by volunteers and we appreciate any new volunteers willing to assist for any number of our 18 men’s home league games or 10 women’s home league games. 

As always volunteers are free to choose which games they are available to help. Match-night roles include security, half-time raffle, BORST clubhouse, club shop.

If anyone would like to volunteer in any capacity with the club, we would encourage you to please let us know by email to: shane@sligorovers.com

THANK YOU

Thank you again to all our supporters, volunteers, commercial partners and sponsors who keep our supporter owned club strong. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Showgrounds as the 2024 season gets underway!

Our men’s fourth preseason game scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 3rd February in Dublin will now be played behind closed doors.

The club has previously received advice from the venue that spectators would be allowed attend. However due to lack of appropriate medical and stewarding staff we have been advised the game will now be closed to the public.

The men’s preseason fixture v Longford Town scheduled for later today Tuesday 23rd January has been called off due to the weather conditions.

The next men’s pre-season friendly will take place this Saturday 27th January against Galway United hosted by Westport United in Westport at 2:30pm.

The 2024 Super Reds open day will take place on Sunday 14th January in The Showgrounds.

Registration for the event itself will open from 1.15pm in our clubhouse, with activities on the day commencing from 2pm and finishing at 3:30pm.

Please note this event is exclusive to our Super Red members for 2024 however there is still time to become a Super Red by purchasing a Super Red Season Ticket using the link below:

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

Our Super Reds will receive their free training kit on the day along with their 2024 Season Ticket. (Providing the application is received by the club before January 12th). As always, all new Super Reds are welcome and encouraged to join.

Along with this, every Super Red member will get the opportunity to meet our first team players, whilst also enjoying fun and games on the clubs astro pitch with them.

The club requests that all Super Reds must be accompanied by a parent on the day.

The clubs merchandise shop will be open from 1.30pm.

If you would like your child to become a Super Red for 2024 there is still time. You can apply by selecting Super Red Season Ticket in the below link:

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

Sligo Rovers wish to recruit a Football & Social Responsibility (FSR) Officer who will be responsible for delivery of a Football Community Engagement Strategy for the Club.

The Full Time role will involve the development and implementation of the Club’s social responsibility policy and procedures using football as the mechanism to have a positive and sustainable impact on the community in the region.

Specific Duties

• Act as a single FSR point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and oversee the club’s FSR and sustainability strategy, using UEFA’s Football Sustainability Strategy 2030 and the forthcoming FAI FSR Strategy 2024-2028 as a framework.
• Develop and promote FSR guidelines, policies and activities.
• Guide decision-making processes to improve overall club performance and support strategic objectives.
• Advocate for sustainable practices in all aspects of Sligo Rovers FC’s operations, ranging from resource management to waste control.
• Contribute to the achievement of measurable long-term sustainability objectives and KPIs.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to coordinate the design, development and delivery of socially focussed programmes, services and events in the football club’s local community.
• Liaise and cooperate with a broad range of community service providers including the Local Authority, Sports Partnership, Social Services, various Government Departments and other relevant statutory agencies in the design, development and delivery of socially focussed programmes.
• Liaise and cooperate with a variety of community groups and organisations to develop and maintain the club in community relationships and to identify target clientele for the club’s FSR programmes.
• Co-ordinate the delivery of a range of football themed education/health focussed programmes in the community including (but not limited to) programmes for schoolchildren, older people, people with disabilities and other groups from marginalised and disadvantaged areas.
• Plan your own work schedule and set work targets in consultation with Club Management Committee
• Approach the role with a strategic mindset with a view to the growth and sustainability of the club’s FSR remit.
• Keep up to date with local, regional and national developments in the education, health and welfare sector, in relation to both policy and practice.
• Identify opportunities to create new income streams via fundraising events, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, charitable foundations and EU and statutory funding avenues and apply for relevant grants related to the club’s ongoing FSR work.
• Liaise with the Club Board to explore and develop the commercial potential of the services delivered by the Club’s FSR activity.
• Collate information and prepare reports for the Club Board and programme funders.

Key Skills Required

• Experience of working in community development projects/social inclusion programmes with economically, socially, geographically and / or educationally disadvantaged people
• Experience of leading / managing projects or programmes
• Demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills with ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Have an understanding of the third sector (not-for-profit sector) and how it is funded
• Have an understanding of how social enterprises operate
• Knowledge and experience of fund-raising for not-for-profit organisations(s) would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of national and local statutory agencies which could directly affect the project is essential in particular, Local Authorities, Education and Training Boards and the Health Service Executive.
• Have a sound understanding of the promotion of social inclusion through sport.

Education

• Third level academic qualification in Sport, Social Science / Social Care, Youth Community Studies or Business Studies or other relevant qualifications or experience.
• A recognised training qualification (e.g. Train the Trainer QQI level 6) although not essential would be an advantage.

Other desirable abilities, skills and knowledge

• A knowledge of the role of the local statutory and voluntary sectors in relation to sports development
• A knowledge of the local and regional football landscape and how League of Ireland clubs operate although not essential would be an advantage
• Proven ability to think and plan strategically with a focus on future challenges
• A highly motivated professional, solution focused and accountable in all that you do
• Energetic personality – resilient, results driven and flexible in both working hours and in approach to unfamiliar/changing situations.

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential to the role with the ability to interact with sensitivity, efficiency and professionalism.
• Have good listening skills, be non-judgemental and possess an empathetic and understanding nature.
• Creative, innovative, proactive and pragmatic
• Be resourceful with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong and confident communicator (both written and verbal) including ability to draft summary information and correspondence.
• Proven self-initiative.
• Excellent presentation skills
• Competence in IT systems
• Resilient and results focused.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Flexible and adaptable in approach
• A keen interest in football is essential.
• Full driving license.

Application Process

The Club reserves the right to select a shortlist from the applications received.

This appointment is supported through and by Sligo County Council. Sligo Rovers is an equal opportunities employer.

Interested applicants should forward application and CV to the following email address – andrew@sligorovers.com – before 5pm on 31 January 2024.

The 500 Club members draw for October, November and December was made recently by the 500 Club Committee.

These monthly draws see ten members drawn each month for cash prizes, with the top prize being €500.

The 500 Club continues to be one of the club’s most important Fundraisers and we wish to thank all members, and the 500 Club committee for their continued hard work.

October 2023

• €500 Michael Cawley – Castletown, Waterford
• €100 Eddie Grey – Cartron Heights, Sligo
• €100 Blaine Gaffney – Summerhill Village, Sligo
• €100 Michael Morahan – Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim
• €100 Geoffrey Rose – Bennets Bridge, Co. Kilkenny
• €100 David Cummins -Hazlewood Ave, Co. Sligo
• €100 Marcel Gordon, Knocknahur, Co. Sligo
• €100 Dermot O’Hara, Five-mile-bourne, Co. Sligo
• €100 Mark Dunne, Charles St., Sligo
• €100 Bryan Armstrong, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo

November 2023

• €500 Joe Gilroy – The Orchard, Kevinsfort, Sligo
• €100 Paul Mulligan – Rosehill, Sligo
• €100 Jane Nugent – Ballygawley, Sligo
• €100 Brian McDonagh – Strandhill Rd, Sligo
• €100 Michael McDonnell – Knocknarea, Co. Sligo
• €100 Conal McGlone – Knocknaganny Park, Sligo
• €100 Peter Houze – Cartron Bay, Sligo
• €100 Ray McSharry – Pearse Rd, Sligo
• €100 James Cafferty – Charlestown, Co. Mayo
• €100 Peter Kilgallon – The Mall, Sligo

December 2023

• €500 Brenda Kearns – Boyle, Co. Roscommon
• €100 James Creed – Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
• €100 Ryan Quinn – Tonaphubble, Sligo
• €100 Padraig McGlone – Chapel St, Sligo
• €100 John Toolan – Gurteen, Co. Sligo
• €100 Eamon Fox – Crozon Downs, Sligo
• €100 David Chatterton – Homechurch, Essex, England
• €100 Ciaran Coleman – Riverstown, Sligo
• €100 Eoin Armstrong – Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
• €100 Gary Kelly – Carndonagh, Co. Donegal

The club are pleased to announce the signing of Ellis Chapman from Cheltenham Town FC. The 22 year old midfielder will join the club on loan until the end of June.

John Russell:

“Yeah, I’m really happy to get a player like Ellis into the club. He’s a box to box midfielder with a really good passing range. For such a young player he has a really good pedigree of experience, he’s only 22 but he has played a lot of games at a high level.

“He was with Cheltenham when they won League Two, and played a lot of games with them in League One as well. In conversations with him I know he is excited to come over big impact on the team, and I’m delighted to get him on board”

Ellis Chapman:

“I knew about the club and the ambition the club had from obviously Reece Hutchinson who I’m very close with. Then meeting up with the manager confirmed everything for me, talking about the way his team plays and the ambitions he has with the team.

“Coming to Sligo will be a new, fresh start for me which is something I’ve been looking for, I would like to get a run of games and show the fans and the club what I can do. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and with no hesitation I will give my all for the club. I cannot wait to get started and with hard work hopefully getting the club back competing towards the top end of the division”

The club would like to thank all supporters who have purchased their Season Tickets for 2024, and expect to announce more squad news in the coming weeks.

https://srfcdirect.com/season-tickets-2024/

The club are pleased to announce Simon Power has joined the club for the upcoming 2024 season.

The 25 year old Greystones native joins following a number of seasons with Shamrock Rovers. Prior to this he had a successful period in the UK where he made 39 League Two appearances for Harrogate Town.

The winger can play on either wing and becomes the third new addition to the squad following the addition of JR Wilson and Wilson Waweru.

John Russell:

“I am delighted to get Simon to the club. He is an exciting attacking player with the ability to get fans out of their seats. He has experience in the League of Ireland and League Two and at 25 I feel he is hungry to show the quality he has at this club.”

Simon Power:

“I am delighted to sign for the club, it’s good to get the deal done as it’s been in the works over the last few weeks.

“I am still young but I have a lot of games under my belt. My main attribute is pace and power and can get bums off seats and get the crowd going. I am looking forward to getting going now.”

The club today also unveiled a new away kit, which will join our current home and away jersey for 2024. The new kit is available for purchase at our Showgrounds Megastore which is open every day until Christmas Eve.