Schools and offices across Kildare urged to take part in GOAL'S Jersey Day

Schools and offices across Kildare are being urged to take part in this year's Jersey Day, GOAL's national flagship fundraising campaign.

Before flying off to Tokyo where he has been reporting for RTÉ at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, David Gillick, GOAL ambassador and Olympian, recently teamed up with his three children Oscar (aged 9), Olivia (aged 7), and Louis (aged 4), to announce the return Jersey Day, on Friday, October 10.

Now, David and his family of sports enthusiasts are calling on you to wear your own colours with pride for this fun and simple event, which sees thousands of people in schools and workplaces wear their favourite sports jersey instead of their everyday attire.

By doing so, you can help raise vital funds for GOAL’s lifesaving humanitarian aid and development work in 14 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

This year GOAL is celebrating 37 years of Jersey Day and in 2024, over 40,000 participants from 120 businesses and 420 schools helped raise an incredible €240,000 for GOAL.

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This time around, with leading Irish sports broadcasters Premier Sports as title sponsors, the aim is even higher — with a fundraising target of €250,000.

So far, seven schools across Kildare have already signed up for Jersey Day 2025 and there is still time to join in the fun by registering at jerseyday.org.

Whether you choose the county colours of Kildare, your favourite soccer or rugby club, or even your national jersey, every contribution will support vulnerable communities in Gaza, Sudan, and other crisis-affected regions.

Encouraging schools and offices right across Kildare to register for Jersey Day 2025 via jerseyday.org, GOAL Ambassador, and Irish international track athlete, David Gillick, said: “Irish people have a deep connection to sport. We are incredibly passionate about it, and jerseys are a big part of that tradition and culture. Whether it’s GAA, rugby, soccer or in my case athletics, sport plays a huge role in our identity.

“There’s real pride in the jersey you wear. It shows that you are part of something bigger - a local club, a national team, or an entire community backing their own. Basically, wearing your favourite jersey isn’t just about sport, it’s about connection and belonging. It’s about coming together as a team, a town, or even a country, whether you're cheering from the sidelines or celebrating on a global stage.

“I’ve worn many jerseys over the years, as a school and university athlete, a professional track and field athlete, a coach, and as a proud supporter of Dublin GAA, the Irish soccer team and Premier League newbies Sunderland AFC. And today, I’m a proud dad to three young children who represent their own local teams and wear their favourite jerseys with pride.”

GOAL Jersey Day offers everyone an opportunity to wear their colours with pride while fostering a sense of camaraderie in school or in the workplace. By doing so, you play a vital role in supporting GOAL’s mission to help some of the world’s most vulnerable communities move from extreme crisis to resilience, where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.

Participants are invited to showcase their involvement and inspire others by sharing images and experiences on social media using the hashtag #GOALJerseyDay.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

• Schools will celebrate Jersey Day on Friday, October 10, while businesses can choose any day in October to take part.

• Register now at jerseyday.org. Proudly supported by Premier Sports.

• Participants are encouraged to share their stories, photos, and colourful jerseys on social media using the hashtag #GOALJerseyDay, helping to spread the message and inspire others to join in.