The Rise of Down Syndrome Futsal in Ireland

Celebrating Inclusion Through Futsal

Celebrating inclusion through Futsal: The rise of Down Syndrome Futsal in Ireland

A remarkable new chapter in inclusive football is being written in Ireland, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the Football For All Programme, and the League of Ireland’s Football & Social Responsibility (FSR) Programme. Since early 2024, the Down Syndrome Futsal initiative has rapidly gained momentum, uniting clubs, communities, and families across the country.

What began as a vision to provide more meaningful opportunities for people with Down Syndrome has grown into a structured, club-based movement—giving players aged 16+ the chance to represent League of Ireland clubs through specially designed futsal programmes.

From European Debut to National Pathway

The journey began in 2023, when Ireland’s first International Down Syndrome Futsal Team competed in the SUDS European Championships. The impact was immediate and powerful. Players not only experienced international competition, but returned home with a clear message: more was possible.

Inspired by this, the FAI’s Football For All Programme Coordinator Paddy O’Reilly, alongside FSR Officers from League of Ireland clubs, set out to build a national network that would allow players with Down Syndrome to train and compete regularly.

Through partnerships with Down Syndrome Ireland, Special Olympics Clubs, and strong community outreach via club social media, 14 League of Ireland clubs have since launched their own Down Syndrome Futsal teams.

The Cairdeas Cup: More Than a Tournament

Central to the programme are the biannual League of Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal Festivals. These vibrant events bring together teams from across the country to compete for the Cairdeas Cup—a fitting name that means “friendship” in Irish.

While competition is part of the fun, the real goal is inclusion, visibility, and development. Players have shown incredible growth in fitness, teamwork, and technical ability—all nurtured in a supportive environment where joy, friendship, and community spirit shine through.

Building for the Future

The programme’s impact is undeniable, and momentum continues to grow. New clubs are preparing to join, and many existing teams are now expanding to include younger age groups (8–15), ensuring that more children and teens with Down Syndrome can be welcomed into the game.

This success would not be possible without the commitment and cooperation of a wide network—FAI staff, club FSR Officers, volunteers, families, and the players themselves, whose passion is at the heart of it all.

As Tessa van Heerden from SUDS shares in her reflections, Ireland’s story is already becoming an inspiration for other nations across Europe. The combination of local inclusion and international ambition is a powerful one—and Ireland is showing just how far it can go.

“The Irish programme is a model of how federations and clubs can work together to create long-term pathways for athletes with Down Syndrome. It’s about dignity, development, and making sure no one is left behind in the beautiful game.”
— Tessa van Heerden, SUDS