Ireland's Down syndrome futsal team eyeing European glory
The team's participation in the competition is the culmination of a continuing partnership between the FAI and Down Syndrome Ireland, which first began in 2023.
Hosting the week-long championships in Ferrara is the Italian Paralympic Sport Federation for athletes with intellectual or relational disabilities, FISDIR.
The Irish team has already taken part in two previous international events, facing Italy, Portugal and Turkey in 2023, and the USA in 2024.
Organisers have said these international matches have raised the profile of both the sport and the abilities of Irish players with Down syndrome and have also led to the development of a tailored grassroots programme within the League of Ireland structure.
League of Ireland clubs are now setting up their own teams for players with Down syndrome through their social responsibility programmes.
Two major blitzes are currently held every year, with some inter-club matches during the season also expected to get under way shortly.
The FAI has said the development of Down Syndrome futsal continues to grow across the country with the support of its Football For All programme.
The 11-player squad named to represent their country at the SUDS European Championships followed months of assessment with over 100 players available for selection nationwide.
The final national assessment took place at TU Dublin's Blanchardstown Campus in February.
The management team of Mark Ross, Conor McKahey and Nigel Fitzharris have said that given the players are excelling with their respective League of Ireland clubs, hopes are high for the tournament.
The 10 outfield players and one goalkeeper headed for the northern Italian city of Ferrara will be representing six Down Syndrome Ireland branches from around the country.
There are four players from the Donegal branch, three from the Louth/Meath branch and one each from the Cork, Dublin, Mayo and Waterford branches.
The Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Squad in full is:
Goalkeeper: David Crawford (Finn Harps)
Defenders: Josh Hennessy (Shelbourne), Jamie Linden (Dundalk), Fergus Cosgrove (Bohemians)
Midfielders: Cian Kelleher (Cork City), Micheál McCloy (Dundalk), Sean Toolin (Cork City), Fergal Birrane (Sligo Rovers)
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