Shelbourne FC have launched a limited edition Pride t-shirt, intended to raise money for LGBT Ireland.

The t-shirt displays the club's nickname in a whole new colour scheme, with a rainbow-tinted 'Shels' featuring on the front of the white tee.

The historic Dublin club announced the new clubwear across social media today, pledging to donate all proceeds to the LGBT Ireland National helpline.

The Pride-themed Shelbourne shirt will go on sale tomorrow at the club's Drumcondra stadium Tolka Park, and is available online now.

 

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The Pride apparel is a facet of Shelbourne FC's annual support campaign for Pride, as part of a widespread League of Ireland LGBT awareness and support campaign.

In advance of Pride month, the League of Ireland dedicated its sponsorship branding to LGBT Ireland a set of weekend fixtures in May to promote the National LGBT+ helpline services across the country.

In a statment, LGBT Ireland CEO Paula Fagan said the campaign had "aimed to send out a clear message that football is for everyone", and that the message "was delivered loud and proud by everyone involved".

"It was such a fantastic show of solidarity and support for the LGBTQI+ community. The Shelbourne FC Pride T-Shirt continues to promote this message of diversity, inclusion and respect for all in football", said Fagan.

"The LGBT National Helpline has been providing support and information to thousands of LGBTQI+ people and their family members for over a decade. Fagan admits that despite this legacy, "there are many more people out there in need of support but who don't know about the helpline".

"These campaigns will reach LGBTQI+ people in their homes and on football terraces who never knew about our service and can now access support when they need it" she said.

Shelbourne FC's Pride t-shirt is available on their website now.

Shelbourne have also scheduled a 'Pride Cup' in Tolka Park on Sunday 25th June to coincide with Dublin Pride. The tournament is intended to celebrate diversity in the club's community and across Irish football. This year’s event, titled '5 a-side for Pride', promises to be a fun and inclusive tournament.

John McGouran, community officer at Shelbourne FC, said the planned programme for this year’s Pride Festival will be the biggest ever undertaken by the club. “We are incredibly proud to launch the Shelbourne FC Pride Cup, and our expanded Pride celebrations, and we’re proud to champion and celebrate the diversity within our community and highlight the inclusive nature of Irish football.

"This tournament is an opportunity for us to come together, unite, and show our support for the LGBT+ community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun, friendly competition, and solidarity.”

The club will also be marching in the Dublin Pride Parade this year, with the men's, women's, junior and inclusion teams flying both red and rainbow flags through Dublin city on Saturday June 24.

 

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The National LGBT+ Helpline is available during daytime hours to provide support, and can be reached on 1800 929 539.

Shelbourne FC's limited edition Pride t-shirt can be purchased online here.