Donegal football legends Geraldine McGlinchey and Ray Houghton were in Buncrana last week to launch a major investment at Buncrana Hearts FC.
The Inishowen football club is to benefit from the Cadbury Grounds for Change campaign to support women in football. Significant investment will be made to improve the clubs’ facilities and equipment.
Pictured at the Cadbury Grounds For Change launch in Buncrana Hearts FC are special guests, former Irish player Ray Houghton and former Irish player, Geraldine McGlinchey who was part of the first ever women’s squad in 1973.
Cadbury has been a partner of Ireland’s Women’s National Football team since 2021, with the aim of encouraging more women to play football.
Grounds for Change is the next stage of the Cadbury Supporter And A Half campaign to increase visibility of women’s football and drive participation across Ireland.
The investment from Cadbury will leave a legacy for three Irish clubs and their community well into the future, with each club receiving investment that is being used for various items such as new dugouts, kits, training equipment, first aid kits, or goal posts including nets.
Buncrana Hearts FC, Bluebell Knockmitten United FC, Dublin 22 and Douglas, Co. Cork have each benefitted from the campaign.
The official launch of Cadbury Grounds for Change Donegal took place last week in Buncrana Hearts FC with the support of former players Geraldine McGlinchey and Ray Houghton. Members of the community joined Geraldine and Ray to showcase the new club updates as well as unveiling an impressive illustration from FRIZ (Marian Noone).
Buncrana Hearts FC Gets Major Investment As Part of Cadbury Supporter And A Half Campaign Promoting Women’s Football
Speaking about Cadbury Grounds for Change, Eileen Leahy, Brand Manager Chocolate, Mondelez Ireland, said: “Cadbury is a brand synonymous with generosity, and Cadbury Supporter And A Half carries the essence of that. Grounds for Change is the next step and the investment will give pitches and community areas a revamp to make them accessible for everyone in the community to come together and play the game. Cadbury Grounds for Change is our way of leaving a lasting legacy and really supporting women to get involved. It is incredibly exciting to see women’s football finally getting the recognition that it richly deserves. We’ve had a summer to remember with our Republic of Ireland’s Women’s National Team doing us proud in Australia, and they are an inspiration for generations of young women. Get behind our girls in green and be a supporter and a half all year round!”
Mark McLaughlin – Football Coach – Buncrana hearts FC, with Ray Houghton
Since 2021, Cadbury Ireland has supported 50 grassroots clubs with even more clubs set to benefit this year. Cadbury continues to take an active role in supporting the FAI’s strategy to raise awareness and grow the women’s game in Ireland through acts of generosity.
In 2022, Cadbury donated €50,000 to grassroots clubs as well as giving away unforgettable experiences including a coaching masterclass with coach Vera Pauw, a meet and greet with Ireland captain Katie McCabe and the chance to attend a WNT training session.
Earlier this year, Cadbury Supporter And A Half campaign launched FAI Cadbury Kick Fit. A fun and non-competitive social programme for women, the new initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage participation in senior women’s football. FAI Cadbury Kick Fit is running in locations across the country for eight weeks with more than 20 grassroots clubs taking part with over 600 women.
For more information on Cadbury Supporter & A Half, see cadbury.ie/explore/partnerships/womens-football or follow the conversation online, @CadburyIreland.
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