Integration Group taking part in the sessions.
Over the past several weeks, Sligo Rovers have been running a football integration programme that is targeted at players from the Refugee, International Protection Applicant and Traveller communities in Sligo and further afield.
The idea behind the initiative is to create both playing and non playing opportunities for players that are part of minority and marginalised groups that promote integration and positive physical and mental health. Sligo Rovers recruited players for the programme in partnership with Diversity Sligo and Sligo Leader and with the support of the FAI have been able to host weekly football sessions at the Showgrounds, including some with Rovers and League of Ireland legend Richard Brush. There are approximately 50 players registered for different weekly sessions from a range of direct provision and accommodation centres with players attending from Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. While the programme is primarily aimed at players from those communities anyone is welcome to take part.
The football sessions are an integral part of the programme and there are also wider aims. A number of the players have now taken on volunteer roles with the club, attend home games and there are also plans to deliver a Community Sports Leadership course in collaboration with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. Many of the players also attended a recent Men’s Health day organised by the club.
Sligo Rovers FSR officer Jamie Murphy said: “We have been absolutely thrilled by the popularity of the sessions. New players are joining on a regular basis. Rovers as a community and fan owned club is about a lot more that what happens on the pitch. Initiatives like this allow us to support in some small way some of the most marginalised people in our society, not only in terms of promoting positive physical and mental heath through football but also through the chance to meet new friends, and volunteering and education opportunities.”
For more information contact fsr@sligorovers.com
