Leitrim players part of successful integration event with Sligo Rovers and An Garda Síochána
Sligo Rovers have been hosting football sessions with players from the IPA community as part of their Integration Football Programme.
The Sligo Rovers Integration team took on An Garda Síochána in a friendly match at the Showgrounds on Monday, November 25, in an afternoon that was about bringing people together through football.
The team included players from the International Protection Applicant (IPA) community in Leitrim and Sligo.
The players take part in weekly football sessions with the opportunity to also become club volunteers.
It was An Garda Síochána who came out on top on this occasion with the teams already planning a return fixture in the new year.
The Sligo club have been hosting football sessions for the past number of months with players from the IPA community as part of the Sligo Rovers Integration Football Programme.
Many players have gone on to take up volunteering roles within the club as well as attending games.
“This was a fantastic event with players getting to meet and get to know each other both off and on the pitch and we would like to thank Sligo County Council for their support.
The sessions were initially set up with the support of a number of organisations including Sligo Leader Partnership, Diversity Sligo and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to promote integration and inclusion within the football and wider community.
Launched this year, the initiative aims to create both playing and non-playing opportunities for individuals from minority and marginalised groups, fostering integration while promoting positive physical and mental health.
The sessions are open to everyone. Those interested can get in touch on [email protected]