The Football Association Of Ireland have announced that one local based club will host a newly introduced fixture.
The first ever Interprovincial match between Leinster and Munster Football For All teams will take place in Evergreen FC, Kilkenny on Saturday, December 3.
The two squads were selected from trials in each region, where over 25 players took part to seal one of 18 places in each squad, and the standard was extremely high.
The Munster squad, who will be led by Nick Harrison and Ken O’Connell, is made up of players from Midleton, Limerick, Cahir, St Brendan’s Park (Tralee), Newcastlewest, Evergreen, Carrigaline United, and Skibereen.
The Leinster squad, who have Kyle Mates, Brian Walsh and Chris McElligott, have brought players together from Malahide United, Lourdes Celtic, Cabinteely, Sacred Heart, and Kildare Town.
This match represents a big step forward for the FAI’s Football For All Club programme, which was set up in 2010, and provides opportunities to people with disabilities from communities around the country.
“We are really excited to host the first ever Interprovincial Football For All club inter-regional match and to use the excellent facilities at Evergreen FC in Kilkenny. It is going to be landmark day for the programme and for the players and coaches involved,” said Oisin Jordan, Football For All National Coordinator.
“The Football For All programme now boasts 33 clubs around the country and we have plans to expand again in 2017. We want to continue to provide the best opportunities to players of all levels and the work being done at the respective clubs is terrific.
“Even though these young players have a disability, we still want them to train and compete at a high standard. So this Interprovincial match, between two very talented squads, is something that we are all looking forward to. The game will not only have a huge impact on these 36 players’ development but all future players who will get the opportunity to represent their regions.”
Along with regular training at club level, Regional Blitzes/Leagues have allowed children with varying abilities to enjoy football and excel in a competitive environment, while this 11-a-side match stokes up the rivalry of Leinster versus Munster.
Fixture Details
Interprovincial Football For All Match
Leinster v Munster
Evergreen FC, Kilkenny
Saturday, December 3
KO 16:00