Bray Wanderers become first League of Ireland club to launch JAM Card
Bray Wanderers FC marked a proud milestone on Tuesday, 23rd September as the club officially launched the JAM Card at the Carlisle Grounds, becoming the first League of Ireland club to do so. The event also coincided with the opening day of the European Week of Sport, underlining the role football can play in driving inclusion across communities.
The launch was hosted by Bray Wanderers Disability Access Officer Padraic Moran and featured contributions from Nicola Tipping (Business Development Manager for JAM Card), Dermot O’Brien (Seagulls in the Community, Bray Wanderers), Mark Scanlon (League of Ireland Director) and Ciaran Delaney (JAM Card Ambassador).
Attendance on the day was a recognition of the great community spirit in Bray, with a wide range of stakeholders present to support the initiative, including Bray Wanderers Head of Football Pat Devlin, TD John Brady, Cllrs Caroline Winstanley and Ned Whelan, alongside representatives from Newcourt School, Sports Promotion Unit, Local Sports Partnership, An Garda Síochána, Bray Chamber, Bray School Project, Festina Lente, Bray Lakers, Sunbeam Services, HSE, Bray Youth Service, and other local organisations. Our partner club Ardmore Rovers also joined in the celebrations.
The JAM Card – short for “Just A Minute” – is an invaluable tool that allows people with additional needs or invisible disabilities to discreetly signal when they require more time or understanding in public spaces. It is increasingly recognised across Ireland, including on Irish Rail services, which means football fans can now travel to the Carlisle Grounds and enjoy a match day experience knowing they will be met with patience and support.
Speaking at the launch, Bray Wanderers DAO Padraic Moran said:
“We are proud to be the first League of Ireland club to officially launch the JAM Card. This is only possible because of the strong collaboration between our Disability Access Officer, Supporters Liaison Officer/Social & Environmental Sustainability Officer, and our partners in the SPIN Youth Project. Together we’re showing that football clubs can lead the way in meaningful, impactful inclusion.”
Bray Wanderers SLO & SES Dermot O’Brien added:
“Inclusion takes many forms, but at its heart it’s about creating the conditions where everyone feels welcome. The JAM Card helps us to break down barriers and make sure supporters with additional needs or any concerns can truly enjoy being part of our club and community.”
Young people were also part of the day, with club mascot Rocky the Seagull creating a buzz and posing for photos.
The event highlighted that inclusion is not a side project but a central part of the club’s identity, and Bray Wanderers FC hopes to inspire other clubs across Ireland to follow their example.
📸 Contact Bray Wanderers SLO & SES Dermot O’Brien at [email protected] or Bray Wanderers DAO Padraic Moran at [email protected]. Those interested in helping at their Club can email [email protected].
