Hosted by Gateway Integration in East Wall, the tournament brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, including those living in emergency accommodation centres in Dublin and youth clubs from the north inner city, East Wall, and Limerick.
The tournament served as a platform for children from various communities to connect, fostering friendships, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
Throughout the two-day event, held over the bank holiday weekend, participants discovered how sport can transcend cultural, social and economic barriers.
Football, often described as a “universal language”, enabled children from all walks of life to come together and play, embodying the spirit of inclusion and community.
Shamrock Rovers footballer Jack Byrne attended the event to present medals
“The event demonstrated how initiatives rooted in community and social engagement can inspire change and foster understanding,” said Alan Gannon, Community Outreach Officer with Gateway Integration, who organised the tournament.
Shamrock Rovers star and north inner city native, Jack Byrne, attended the event to present medals to the participants, celebrating their achievements and reinforcing the positive impact of the tournament.
Jonathan Dowling, from Belvedere Youth Club in the north inner city highlighted the event’s timely significance.
“The tournament was a great opportunity for us to engage with young people throughout the bank holiday and the lead in towards the Halloween programme,” he said.
“Halloween is often a time where we see young people being drawn toward anti-social behaviour and sometimes criminality.
“This tournament gave us a safe space to build relationships with people from all walks of life.
“It was amazing to see the amount of young people from all over the world engaged, and it was hugely beneficial to our youths. We would be keen to see this happen again,” he added.
