Drogheda United Football Club

What Drogheda United Football Club does

Drogheda United Football Club is a League of Ireland Premier Division football club based in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. Founded in 1919, it competes in the top tier of Irish football alongside clubs such as Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, Derry City, and local rivals Dundalk FC. Home matches are played at Sullivan & Lambe Park (also known as Weavers Park or United Park), a stadium the club acquired from the Football Association of Ireland in 2024. Off-field operations span a first team, an academy running MU14 through MU20 plus women's teams at WU17 and WU23, and a diverse community inclusion portfolio covering Walking Football (55+), Down Syndrome Futsal, Football For Connection, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation youth club, and partnerships with Free Kicks Foundation, Show Racism The Red Card, and The Food Share Project.

Since October 2023 the club has been wholly owned by Trivela Group Ltd, a US-based sports investment firm headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama and founded in 2021. Trivela's portfolio also includes Silkeborg IF (Denmark), Trivela FC Togo, and a prior investment in Walsall FC (UK), placing Drogheda United inside a multi-club ownership model. Post-acquisition moves have included a full-time Academy Director appointment, a 2025-2029 Social & Environmental Sustainability Strategy, and removal of board member Joanna Byrne in early 2026 amid political controversy, leaving Ben Boycott as sole chairperson with Marc Koretzky, Barton Lee, and CEO Rian Wogan.

Revenue is generated across four streams: matchday (ticket sales, hospitality, food and beverage), online merchandise via dufcstore.com (home, away, and third kits for 2026), multi-tiered commercial sponsorships (front-of-jersey Drogheda Credit Union, Away Stand Specsavers, match ball, training kit, advertising hoardings), and academy participation fees. Distribution channels are direct matchday sales, e-commerce for merchandise globally, and direct enrollment for community and academy programs. Sponsorship and matchday pricing are not publicly disclosed; the club's 2025 audited accounts report total agent/intermediary payments of €10,396. No proprietary technology platforms, mobile app, API, SDK, or AI/ML capabilities are evidenced; the operation runs on standard digital channels (website, YouTube, TikTok, email) layered on a community-led go-to-market model.

Name

Drogheda United Football Club

Legal name

Drogheda United Football Club

Website

https://droghedaunited.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Drogheda United Football Club is a League of Ireland Premier Division football club based in Drogheda, Ireland, owned by US-based Trivela Group since 2023. It operates a first team, a full academy (MU14-WU23), and community inclusion programs. Revenue derives from matchday, sponsorships, merchandise, and academy fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Football Club Services

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Association Football (Soccer) Leagues (MPAKAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK), Team & School Athletic Uniforms Retail (CRAMACAJ)

Keywords

• Professional football club
• Youth academy development
• Matchday experience services
• Community outreach programmes
• Commercial sponsorship packages

Headquarters

HQ city

Drogheda

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Matchday Revenue: Revenue generated from ticket sales, hospitality, and matchday food/beverage services at Sullivan & Lambe Park. The club has seating capacity for away fans and operates a season ticket program with lotteries for high-demand matches.
2. Merchandise Sales: Online sales of club kits and merchandise through dufcstore.com, including home, away, and third kits for 2026.
3. Commercial Sponsorships: Multi-tiered sponsorship arrangements including front-of-jersey sponsors (Drogheda Credit Union), stand naming rights (Specsavers Away Stand), match ball sponsors, training kit sponsors, and various commercial partner agreements with local businesses.
4. Academy Fees: Revenue from academy programs, youth development, and associated participation fees for various age-group teams.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Drogheda United Football Club is a League of Ireland Premier Division club that delivers professional men's football, a youth academy programme (MU14 through MU20 and women's WU17/WU23 teams), inclusive community outreach programmes, matchday experiences at Sullivan & Lambe Park, season ticket memberships, and official club merchandise. The club is owned by US-based Trivela Group Ltd and secured ownership of its stadium from the FAI in 2024.

Product overview

Drogheda United Football Club is a League of Ireland Premier Division football club offering first team football, an extensive academy programme spanning MU14 through MU20 and women's teams, and community outreach initiatives including Walking Football, Down Syndrome Futsal, and accessibility services. The club operates matchday experiences at Sullivan & Lambe Park with approximately 70 season ticket holder capacity during restricted periods. These core offerings are supported by commercial partnerships and sponsorships rather than a technology product platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• League of Ireland Premier Division First Team Football Professional men's first team football matches in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division (top tier). Matches played at Sullivan & Lambe Park, Drogheda. Product is the live sporting spectacle delivered to match-going supporters, broadcast audiences, and commercial partners.
• Academy Football Development Programme Youth football development programme covering MU14, MU15, MU17, MU20, WU17, and WU23 teams competing in MDL and cup competitions. Led by full-time Academy Director John Donohue (ex-St Patrick's Athletic, UEFA Youth League experience). Participants pay participation fees.
• Community and Inclusion Programmes Inclusive community sports programmes including Walking Football (men 55+), Down Syndrome Futsal, Rio Ferdinand Foundation youth club (ages 14-18), Football For Connection women's group, and Free Kicks Foundation mascot experiences for disadvantaged children (2,000+ experiences delivered since 2007).
• Matchday Experience and Season Tickets Live matchday experience at Sullivan & Lambe Park including tickets (walk-up and advance), season ticket packages with priority access lotteries (historically 70 per game under COVID-19 restrictions), and accessibility services (Audio Descriptive Commentary for blind/visually impaired fans, Safe Spaces for vulnerable supporters).
• Drogheda United Official Merchandise Official club merchandise including home, away, and third kits plus ancillary products sold through the DUFC Store online. Sold globally to supporters.
• Commercial Sponsorship Packages B2B sponsorship inventory sold to commercial partners across categories: front-of-jersey, stand naming rights, match ball sponsorship, training kit sponsorship, advertising hoardings, and hospitality packages at Sullivan & Lambe Park.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2024 FAI Cup Winners
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Lennon GroupcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 June 2026Lennon Group, founded in 1981 and based in Monasterboice, is an electrical services company providing commercial and domestic electrical services including solar PV solutions. The partnership includes advertising rights at Sullivan & Lambe Park and match ball sponsorship. Both organizations described the partnership as supporting the club's growth ambitions and community sustainability initiatives aligned with the club's Social & Environmental Sustainability Strategy (SES) 2025-2029.
• Specsavers DroghedacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Specsavers Drogheda continues its long-standing partnership as the official sponsor of the Away Stand, now in its 10th year. Specsavers has been serving the local community since 1995. The partnership includes prominent signage above the Away Stand and match ball sponsorship for the clash with St Patrick's Athletic in August 2026.
• The Food Share ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Partnership with The Food Share Project, HSE Social Inclusion, and HSE Health Promotion to make sanitary products freely available at Sullivan & Lambe Park. Addresses period poverty by removing barriers to menstrual products for players, supporters, and the wider community, creating a period-positive environment.
• Show Racism The Red CardminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2026Cross-border activation with Immigrant Council of Ireland, St. Joseph's Secondary School Drogheda, Show Racism The Red Card Scotland, Newry High School, FAI, The Irish FA, and Newry City AFC, funded by Shared Ireland Fund. Delivered anti-racism workshops and coaching sessions promoting inclusion and being part of a team.
• CityNorth HotelcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 May 2026Continued long-standing relationship for the 2026 season. CityNorth hosts first team meetings and meals throughout the campaign and serves as the venue for the annual End of Season Awards Night. CityNorth also hosted the team the night before their 2024 FAI Cup Final victory.
• Jack Doran MotorscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 April 2026Two-year partnership making Jack Doran Motors the club's Official Mobility Partner. The agreement includes provision of a fleet of Kia and Citroën vehicles to support first team operations, academy activity, and wider club logistics. The partnership brings together two established local organizations with shared connection to the town.
• Gleesons BarminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 April 2026Gleesons Bar, located on West Street in the heart of Drogheda, is a new commercial partner. As a central part of life in the town and important part of Drogheda's social scene, Gleesons contributes to the energy and atmosphere particularly in the evenings around match days.
• Zambrero DroghedaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 31 March 2026Zambrero is a Mexican-inspired fast food restaurant with global presence. The partnership includes signage behind the goal on the Anneville Crescent End of Sullivan & Lambe Park. Zambrero is known for its Plate 4 Plate initiative tackling world hunger. The partnership aligns with the club's commitment to community, inclusion, and making a positive impact.
• Free Kicks FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026UK-based nationwide charity that delivers unforgettable experiences for children through the Community Mascot Experience. Drogheda United is the first League of Ireland club partnered with Free Kicks Foundation. Founded in 2007, the charity has provided over 2,000 football-related experiences to disadvantaged children, nominated by charities such as Young Lives vs Cancer.
• Seaside InteriorsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 March 2026Continued partnership with Seaside Interiors, based in Duleek Business Park, known for flooring, blinds, and interior design expertise. Features on advertising hoarding wall at Anneville Crescent End and clubhouse wall. Seaside Interiors is also the away jersey sponsor for goalkeeper Luke Dennison.
• Mansworld DroghedaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 March 2026Mansworld Drogheda, a menswear retailer trading on West Street since 1990, is a new commercial partner. Mansworld previously supplied official suits worn by players and staff for the 2024 and 2013 FAI Cup Final appearances. The partnership includes signage at Sullivan & Lambe Park and upcoming menswear-related products.
• KC Services (Kavanagh Corporate Services)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 March 2026Extended partnership now including sponsorship of the Men's First Team Management gear. KC Services has been supporting the club since 2019 with hampers at every home game raffled to fans with proceeds going to the club. Also supplies performance nutrition products to the men's first team. Damien Kavanagh sponsors namesake Brandon Kavanagh for the 2026 season.
• Campbells Build & PaveminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 February 2026New partnership with one of Drogheda's most respected suppliers of landscaping and paving materials, based on Ballymakenny Road. Campbells has served trade and DIY customers across Louth, Meath, North Dublin and beyond for over 50 years. Partnership includes advertising hoarding at Sullivan & Lambe Park and match ball sponsorship.
• Loud LuxuriesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 February 2026New partnership making Loud Luxuries (trading as Loud Ink) the Official Player Training & Travel Range Sponsor. Located on Meat Market Lane, Loud Luxuries is a cultural hub offering tattoos, body piercing, hair salon, sunbeds, and coffee space. Known for creativity, personality, and strong community feel, well known among Drogs supporters.
• Flogas IrelandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDrogheda energy company that renewed their sponsorship of Drogheda United FC. Flogas is committed to supporting strong vibrant communities through sport.
• Anglo PrintersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal award-winning print provider that extended its ongoing sponsorship for the sixth consecutive year. Anglo's branding appears on the sleeves of all player kits.
• Murtaghs of DroghedaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPaint supplier partnership for 2023/2024, supported by Fleetwood and Dulux. Murtaghs has been great supporters of the club for many years.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cork City FC: One of Ireland's largest fanbases with recent Premier/First Division experience. Direct peer sharing governance transitions and the LOI top-flight sponsorship economics Drogheda targets.
• Bohemians FC: Dublin-based League of Ireland Premier Division club with a member-owned heritage transitioning toward professional operations. Direct peer sharing stadium-ownership, community, and academy models.
• Derry City FC: League of Ireland Premier Division club with strong fan culture and a Brandywell stadium asset. Direct peer sharing matchday, community, and academy revenue dynamics outside the Dublin core.
• Galway United FC: League of Ireland Premier Division club currently rebuilding at the top tier. Direct peer sharing the small-stadium, regional-revenue, academy-led growth playbook.
• Shamrock Rovers: The most successful club in the League of Ireland, regularly competing in European qualifiers. Direct peer given same league, similar matchday/sponsorship revenue model, and competing for the same commercial partners.
• Shelbourne FC: Dublin Premier Division club with strong women's and academy programs. Direct peer for purposes of comparing top-flight matchday economics, sponsorship depth, and women's-section investment.
• Dundalk FC: Local Louth rival and League of Ireland Premier Division competitor. Most directly comparable League of Ireland club given the geographically proximate derby rivalry, shared catchment, and head-to-head competitive dynamics.
• St Patrick's Athletic: Dublin Premier Division club with a strong academy. Direct peer sharing league, academy structure, and a comparable European-qualification track record that mirrors Drogheda's 2024 FAI Cup ambitions.
• Sligo Rovers: Regional League of Ireland Premier Division club with FAI Cup pedigree. Direct peer with a comparable small-city catchment model and similar reliance on sponsorship and academy output for revenue.

Others

• Silkeborg IF: Sister club under Trivela Group ownership in the Danish Superliga. Included as a co-portfolio peer — comparable under shared ownership economics, multi-club player-development flows, and operational know-how transfer rather than direct domestic competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoMDqE16TqgOFbR2vEae2hg
• TikToktiktok.com/@droghedaunitedfcofficial
• Xx.com/droghedaunited
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/drogheda-united-fc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Drogheda United Football Club