Former Premier League defender delivers gambling awareness guidance in Athlone

As part of a recently established gambling awareness and harm prevention programme set up by the League of Ireland, former English Premier League defender Dominic Matteo visited Athlone Town FC women's team on Wednesday.

Matteo, who played for Liverpool and Leeds Utd, as well as making six appearances for Scotland, has struggled with a gambling addiction in the past, and with his wife, Jessica, they were able to deliver a comprehensive discussion about the dangers of becoming involved in gambling.

On its social media platforms, Athlone Town FC thanked both Dominic and Jessica Matteo for attending the club's stadium for the discussion, which was part of the League of Ireland'seducational collaboration with EPIC Global Solutions. As part of the programme, players, coaches, referees and FAI staff are among those who will receive training on gambling awareness. The programme is set to include 70 workshops in total including each senior men's and women's League of Ireland team and academy clubs.