Saturday sees the culmination of many months hard work by many individuals reaches fruition tomorrow as the inaugural Glentoran Inclusion Cup takes place tomorrow in Belfast.
The Glentoran Inclusion Cup is open to teams from the Inclusion, FFA, & Disability categories. The tournament aims to provide an organised, competitive event to enable greater opportunity to celebrate diversity and for like-minded individuals to meet, build friendships and progress inclusive football in Northern Ireland and beyond.
For the first competition we have teams coming from Southampton, Liverpool and Dublin as well as local clubs.
The tournament will take place tomorrow Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at Newforge Sports Complex, 18B Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5NW.
Matches kick off at 10am with scheduled play lasting to 5pm. We have teams coming from Southampton, Liverpool and Dublin as well as local clubs.
Format of the tournament is as follows:
- League competition followed by knockout cup competition.
- Two ability levels in each age group
- U10's (5-A-Side), U14's (5/7-A-Side), U16's (7/9-A-Side), 17's+(9-A-Side)
Mark Smith, Manager of Glentoran Inclusion, spoke to www.glentoran.com about the tournament: “Glentoran FC has always been a club with inclusive vales reflecting the diverse makeup of the local community.
The Glentoran Cup is an extension of these values as is Glentoran Inclusion FC which is part of the Glentoran Club and community.
Glentoran Inclusion have participated in tournaments in England and it was through these tournaments that we developed strong bonds with other like-minded clubs, eager as we are, to promote and develop the positive football work that we provide to all individuals willing to participate in our clubs irrespective of ability.
The idea has been warmly welcomed by the Newforge Community Group who had the necessary resources to host such an event which will be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland that will cater for children right through to adults in the same tournament. Celebrating ability, inclusion, togetherness and confidence.”
Join us in what will be a fantastic day for everyone involved.
#FootballForAll #GlentoranCup2023
The Glentoran Cup is supported by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation.
The Rio Ferdinand Foundation creates opportunities for young people to tackle inequality, achieve their personal potential and drive social change. The Foundation provides support under four strategic themes Safe spaces; Health and Wellbeing; Strong, Safe, and Inclusive Communities; and Progression, Skills and Employability.