Latest news with #FootballforAll
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Dundalk FC crowned League of Ireland Cairdeas Cup Champions
Hundreds of fans including parents, families and friends attended the National Indoor Sports Centre in Abbotstown to see 120 players, representing 12 League of Ireland clubs who had been preparing for this festival since last year's inaugural event. The improvement in the players since last year's event was clearly evident with all matches very keenly contested. LOI Clubs from all over the country were represented including Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic, Waterford and Wexford. The red-hot favourite to retain the title was Finn Harps who had been victorious in last year's Cairdeas Cup festival. However, a resilient Dundalk FC team emerged as winners following a thrilling final. Every player, coach, official and volunteer who participated in the festival can be proud of their valuable contribution on the day. The LOI Down Syndrome programme has gone from strength to strength with LOI Clubs providing opportunities for regular training with the players and support to participate in the festival. Last year's inaugural event saw nine LOI clubs represented which has now grown to 12 and is expected to continue growing as clubs continue to embrace a wider role in their local communities. Many of the clubs Football & Social Responsibility Officers were in attendance providing support for the players and families and linking in with brilliant volunteers to make the whole day a remarkable success. 'It's days like this that restores your faith in the purpose of football and how it can positively impact people's lives,' said League of Ireland Football & Social Responsibility Manager, Derek O'Neill. "The LOI clubs participating should be proud of the players and also proud of the inclusive opportunity they have provided to grow the game in their communities and facilitate participation among a wide range of groups from children to older people and people with disabilities. It's another reason why football is referred to as the beautiful game'. The Cairdeas Cup is a collaborative project between the League of Ireland and the FAI Football for All programme and has been shortlisted for the Irish Sports Industry Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Glasgow MP backs Football for All's community impact
A local MP has praised a not-for-profit organisation for making football accessible to everyone. Maureen Burke, MP for Glasgow North East, visited Football for All's Townhead game last week and commended their efforts in promoting inclusivity in the sport. She encouraged more people to support the initiative, highlighting its "positive impact" on local communities. Football for All provides opportunities for people of all backgrounds to enjoy the game, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or experience. The initiative has grown, with more than 300 adults playing weekly across 12 venues in Glasgow. The organisation aims to expand this year, ensuring even more people have access to regular football in a welcoming and inclusive environment. More information on how to get involved can be found at Burke MP said: "Football has the power to bring people together, and it was fantastic to see first-hand the work that Football for All is doing to promote inclusivity and community through sport. "Initiatives like this not only keep people active but also provide a sense of belonging. "I encourage anyone looking to get involved to check out their local game and support this brilliant programme." Joseph Wiseman, Scottish community manager at Football for All, said: "It was fantastic to have our local MP, Maureen, join us to see what we've achieved in Glasgow over the past 12 months. "We've grown to over 300 adults playing weekly across 12 venues, and it's humbling to see the impact we're making—providing people with the opportunity to play regular football, stay active, and be part of a thriving community."
