The Pittsburgh Steelers have been awarded rights to develop their model and actions for the Republic of Eire & Northern Eire, as a part of the NFL’s ‘International Markets Program’, it was introduced by the Nationwide Soccer League on Could 23, 2023.

Welcome to the fam, @SteelersIreland! https://t.co/s0GLYGxeCu pic.twitter.com/hjCI4S0h7U

— SteelersNationUnite (@SteelersUnite) May 23, 2023

A Particular Connection: Artwork Rooney II’s Imaginative and prescient for Eire

“We’re excited to have been granted the rights to have interaction extra deeply with our followers in Eire,” Steelers President Artwork Rooney II stated. “My household has deep roots all through Eire and with the ability to join with our followers throughout the Island is one thing particular to our group. My father did a lot in Eire throughout his lifetime, first as one of many founders of the Eire Funds, then as Ambassador. We look ahead to rising our fan base and the love of American soccer within the years to return.”

Increasing Actions and Strengthening Partnerships

Pittsburgh can perform in-person actions akin to fan and youth soccer actions all through Eire. The ‘International Markets Program’ license additionally permits the Steelers to partake in company sponsorship and merchandise gross sales, in addition to co-marketing relationships all through the island of Eire.

“We’re thrilled the Pittsburgh Steelers have been awarded the advertising and marketing and industrial rights to the Republic of Eire and Northern Eire,” stated Brett Gosper, Head of NFL Europe & UK. “With their deep roots and heritage, the Steelers make for a improbable associate in serving to to develop and interact with the passionate NFL fan base throughout the island of Eire. Rising the sport globally is a significant strategic precedence for the League and 32 golf equipment, and the ‘International Markets Program’ will proceed to assist speed up the momentum and curiosity in our sport all over the world.”

Honoring Dan Rooney’s Legacy

Dublin’s Croke Park performed host to the Steelers and Chicago Bears preseason recreation in 1997, nonetheless the one NFL recreation to ever be performed in Eire. The sport was made attainable largely to the Steelers late Chairman, Dan Rooney. Rooney’s ties with Eire have been notable, as he served as the US Ambassador to Eire from 2009-2012. He additionally helped set up the Eire Funds, a program based to advertise and assist peace, tradition, schooling and neighborhood improvement throughout Eire and amongst Irish communities all over the world.

Rooney additionally labored to additional the information of the sport of soccer all through Eire, efforts that included an annual flag soccer contest.

Constructing on Custom: Bringing Again Initiatives

This ‘International Markets Program’ license will allow the Steelers to convey again a few of the traditions and initiatives instituted by Dan Rooney, in addition to to convey some new ones ahead. The staff has already launched devoted Irish social media accounts and intends to carry its first in-market occasion this upcoming season by internet hosting a fan watch get together. As a part of its long-term planning, the staff aspires to return to the island to play an NFL recreation.

The ‘International Markets Program’ and Future Plans

As a part of the ‘International Markets Program’ initiative, NFL golf equipment have entry to worldwide markets for a minimum of a five-year time period, throughout which a membership has the rights to pursue actions in that worldwide market which can be per what they will do of their house market.

Following the granting of the ‘International Markets Program’ for Eire, the Steelers want to host a sequence of occasions for brand new and present followers akin to watch events and flag soccer occasions, and can work to attach Eire with Pittsburgh.

Concerning the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers, based on July 8, 1933, by Arthur Joseph Rooney, are the fifth-oldest franchise within the NFL. Pittsburgh is among the many most profitable franchises in League historical past, with six Tremendous Bowl titles and quite a few convention title recreation appearances. The Steelers have a wealthy historical past and have performed a big function