Dan Byrne (23) will be running the Dublin City Marathon on October 27 to raise money for the Finglas United Football For All Programme for a sensory room at their clubhouse in Kildonan Park, Finglas.
The program provides a sporting and social outlet for players who have varying needs, including ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, Down syndrome, and wheelchair users.
It is a team of boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 18 years old. Dan was inspired to raise funds for the program due to the benefit he’s seen with his 16-year-old cousin Jayden, who plays on the team.
“I have a family member that has Down syndrome, and that’s my cousin Jayden,” he said.
“The program is remarkable and going up and just seeing the team all smile, kicking the ball around – that’s what it’s all about.
“My cousin loves it. That’s why he keeps going back every Saturday, meeting new friends, having a smile, and kicking a ball for an hour. That’s what football is all about,” he added.
After only launching the fundraiser on Wednesday, it has already managed to raise over €3,500.
Dan Byrne visiting the Finglas United Football For All squad
The Dubliner said he is aiming to raise up to €10,000 to build the sensory room at the clubhouse after Rachel and Paul, the volunteers behind the program, said it’s what the club needs most.
The funds will help create a space that can provide a supportive and calming environment for the children, enhancing their experience at the football club.
The sensory room is crucial for children with special needs, like his cousin with Down syndrome, as it offers a safe place that can help them feel more comfortable and engaged, improving their social interactions and emotional well-being.
“From what I’ve heard, Finglas United could be the first football club in Ireland to have a sensory room,” Dan added.
He thanked everyone for the huge amount of support from friends and family and his own football team, who have been sharing the fundraiser.
Dan said he is training hard at the moment for the marathon, but “knowing the kids will be at the finish line” will make it all worth it.
“It just melted my heart seeing them all, smiles on their faces, kicking the ball, and just being with their pals,” he said.
“All the credit goes to the volunteers who manage the team, and I just think for the kids, it’s going to be great just to see the smiles on their faces when it does get done.”
