Cork City Down Syndrome Futsal Team flying the flag at national level

Cork City’s Down Syndrome Futsal Team continued their remarkable journey last weekend as they travelled to Dublin to compete in the latest edition of the Cairdeas Cup. 

The biannual tournament, which brings together squads representing League of Ireland clubs, has become a highlight on the calendar for players and supporters alike.

For Cork City DS Futsal Team, it was another opportunity to showcase their progress, their passion, and their strong sense of togetherness.

Across the day, the squad faced national league sides Wexford, Bohemians, Derry City, Finn Harps and Dundalk, securing two wins and three narrow defeats to finish an impressive fourth overall. With Finn Harps emerging as tournament champions, Cork City left Dublin proud of their performances and even prouder of the strides they have made as a team over the past two years.

The team was founded just over two years ago and has grown steadily into one of Cork City FC’s most inspiring and tight-knit groups. Now boasting a squad of 17 players, male and female, aged from 16 to their mid-40s, the team brings together individuals from across Cork city and county, united by their love of football and their pride in wearing the Cork City jersey.

Many of the players are lifelong Cork City supporters, making it extra special for them to represent the club they cheer for every Friday night. For others, the team offers something equally valuable: a place to make friends, develop new skills, grow in confidence, and belong to a squad that supports one another every step of the way.

BUZZ

The coaching staff for Cork City DS Futsal Team bring a blend of experience, enthusiasm and care that has helped shape the group’s development.

Coach Jill Long thoroughly enjoys being part of a great group.

“I got involved in June, so the previous coaches and managers helped build the foundations of what we have now.

“I enjoy the satisfaction after every coaching session and the buzz that the players create during each session. I also really enjoy the atmosphere on tournament days, overall they are a great group to work with and who are proud every single time they pull on the Cork City shirt.” 

Long is joined on the coaching staff by Aine O’Donovan, Gerry Byrne and Valerie Vaughan Reddan and each bring their own strengths and unique coaching perspectives. Together, they ensure sessions are engaging, enjoyable, and adapted to allow every player to thrive.

Training takes place once a week in various halls around Cork City, providing consistency and structure throughout the League of Ireland season.

One of the standout aspects of last weekend’s tournament was the immense support the players received. Friends, family members, and supporters travelled to Dublin to cheer the team on, creating an atmosphere that the players will remember for a long time. Messages of encouragement also poured in from Cork City FC players and staff, highlighting the strong connection between the senior club and its Down Syndrome futsal team.

“The support the players got was brilliant,” Long said. "You could see how much it meant to them. 

The encouragement from Cork City supporters and the wider club really gives the lads a lift.” 

With the League of Ireland season now wrapped up, Cork City DS Futsal Team enter their off-season before attention turns to preparations for the next Cairdeas Cup, scheduled for May. The tournaments, held twice a year in a league-style format, provide teams with multiple competitive matches and an opportunity to measure their progress against clubs from across the country.

Cork City DS Futsal Team continues to grow both on and off the court, embodying the spirit of inclusion, determination and community that football is built on. 

The players who proudly represent the club are: Andrew Vaughan Redden, Aoife O’Sullivan, Caleb Livingstone, Cian Kelleher, David Horgan, David Wall, Daire Lyons, John Kennelly, Nessa Sheehan, Laura Clifford, Megan O’Halloran, Mark O’Leary, Paul Fitzgerald, Riobard Lankford, Patrick Hennigan, Stuart McCarthy and Shane O’Callaghan.