Pico Lopes and Dan Sheehan invite schools and workplaces to support GOAL Jersey Day 2026

Shamrock Rovers and Cape Verde football star Pico Lopes and rugby star Dan Sheehan have launched GOAL Jersey Day 2026, proudly supported by Premier Sports, calling on schools, workplaces, clubs and communities across Ireland to wear their favourite jerseys this October and raise vital funds for GOAL. 

The sporting stars were joined by children from Greystones Community National School at Lansdowne RFC in Dublin for the launch of the 2026 campaign, which is proudly supported by Premier Sports. 

Now in its 38th year, GOAL Jersey Day brings people across Ireland together through a shared love of sport, while raising funds to support GOAL’s humanitarian and development work. Throughout October, people are encouraged to wear a jersey from any sport to school, work, training or simply among family and friends, and make a donation to GOAL. 

Last year, over 360 schools and 100 workplaces took part in GOAL Jersey Day and helped raise an incredible €288,000. Funds raised helped GOAL’s humanitarian work with communities affected by crisis. 

This year, GOAL is calling on even more schools, workplaces, clubs and communities to get involved. Whether it is a GAA, soccer, rugby, basketball or hockey jersey, a school or club jersey, or simply your favourite team colours, everyone can take part. 

GOAL currently works in 18 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, delivering humanitarian and development programmes and supporting communities affected by crisis. 

Shamrock Rovers and Cape Verde footballer Pico Lopes said, “There’s something special about putting on your team’s jersey. It represents your club, your community and the people you share those moments with. That’s why Jersey Day is such a great initiative. Whatever team you support, get your jersey on this October and help raise funds for GOAL.” 

Speaking at the launch, rugby star Dan Sheehan said, “Sport is brilliant at bringing people together, whether that’s on the pitch, in school or in the workplace. GOAL Jersey Day is a really simple way to get involved and support an important cause. I’m delighted to be part of it this year and hopefully we’ll see plenty of jerseys out this October.

Salina Janzan, GOAL’s Senior Fundraising Manager, said, “GOAL Jersey Day has been bringing people together for 38 years. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone’s support and want to make this year the best year ever! This October, we’re calling on even more schools, workplaces and communities to pull on their favourite jerseys and get involved. We’re also delighted to once again have the support of Premier Sports in helping us reach more people across Ireland.” 

How to get involved

Throughout October, schools, workplaces, clubs and communities are encouraged to choose a day to wear their favourite sports jersey or team colours and raise funds for GOAL. 

Register your school or workplace at jerseyday.org to receive a free GOAL Jersey Day fundraising pack. 

Participants are encouraged to share their photos and stories on social media using #GOALJerseyDay, helping spread the word and inspire others to get involved.