LOI Cairdeas Cup Festival kicks off this Sunday
The scene is set for the biggest League of Ireland Cairdeas Cup festival to date which will take place on Sunday, 26 July at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown.
150 players from 14 League of Ireland clubs will participate in a festival of 42 matches showcasing the inclusive nature of the League.
The games will kick off at 12:00 and all are welcome to attend and support the players.
The Cairdeas Cup festival was formed in 2024 and is a national football event specifically for players with Down Syndrome. It’s growing every season and is now an established part of the LOI Calendar.
Events such as this provide an excellent example of LOI clubs embracing social responsibility and inclusivity and highlights the exponential increase in community engagement by LOI clubs all over the country.
The playing format is five-a-side with futsal balls and rules and dedicated club coaches and volunteers around the country have been working with the players in preparation for the big event. Cairdeas is an Irish word that primarily means friendship, but can also signify goodwill, alliance, and kinship. It aptly captures the essence of the Cairdeas Cup.
LOI Director Mark Scanlon commented: “This is without doubt one of the best days in the League of Ireland season in terms of community, friendship, fair play and the pure joy of playing football! All of the players proudly represent their League clubs and are a huge credit to their coaches, families and communities. It’s great to see the growth in participation every year in the Cairdeas Cup and kudos to the clubs for providing these opportunities ” .
