Irish Children in Residential Care to Travel to the ‘Hope for Mundial’ Soccer World Cup

10 children from Irish community based residential centres were presented with their Irish jerseys at the National Sports Campus by John Delaney, Chief Executive, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) recently. The teenagers had their final training session on the field at the National Sports Campus where stars such as Robbie Brady and Shane Long prepared for Ireland’s Euro campaign. The teenagers have been selected to represent Ireland in the ‘Hope for Mundial’ Soccer World Cup 2016 and will travel to Warsaw for the group stages and finals of the competition which take place on the 23rd and 24th July.

The team has been training with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to prepare for the six-a-side competition for the last number of months and this will be the second time that an Irish team has travelled to Warsaw for the event. Last year’s team were the first Irish team to travel to the tournament and they successfully made it to the group stages of the competition, competing against teams from all around the world.

Mr Fred McBride, Chief Executive, Tusla who is a former professional soccer player said: “It’s important that children in residential care centres are provided with a family life setting, where possible. All around the country social care workers and support staff are supporting children to pursue their interests and the Soccer World Cup is a great opportunity for children to develop their soccer skills while also learning about teamwork, commitment and staying active - all crucial aspects of preparing for independent living in the future. Soccer gave me great focus and ambition when I was a teenager and I hope it will do the same for this year’s team. I’d like to congratulate the teenagers who have progressed through the national trials to represent their country, it’s a great achievement. I’m delighted that the FAI has come on board to support our team and hopefully we might see one of the team on the international stage in the future.”

Mr Brian Lee, Director of Quality Assurance, Tusla said: “Congratulations to the teenagers chosen to represent Ireland in Warsaw this weekend. Tusla is proud to support these teenagers as they pursue their interest in football.”

Now in its fourth year, the competition is six-a-side football, starting with group stages, and progressing to finals. The Irish team was selected through two rounds of national trails which took place in Drogheda and Tipperary. Over 30 children ranging in age from 14 to 18 tried out for the team with 15 children shortlisted and 10 chosen to represent Ireland. The Irish team will be accompanied by social care workers who are familiar with the children’s needs.

John Delaney, Chief Executive, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said: “We are delighted to support this exciting programme which provides these really special boys and girls with an opportunity to grow both on and off the field. I am so proud of their great talents and honoured to have had them at the National Training Centre over the last few months. I would like to wish them the best of luck in Warsaw, and look forward to following their progress in Poland.

Children in residential care centres are supported and encouraged to engage in activities including trips to the cinema, holidays, soccer and athletics, cooking, shopping, budget management and various other activities based on interests. These activities are all intended to support children’s interests while preparing them for independent living in the future. For more information on children in care see: www.tusla.ie

Countries taking part in the ‘Hope for Mundial’ Soccer World Cup include:

For media queries please contact:

Eleanor Reidy, Communications Officer / Press Officer, Tusla

087 634 8373