Esker football club to get grant of €45,000 towards frame football facility

ESKER CELTIC FC in Lucan are to get a frame football facility with the assistance of South Dublin County Council.

The Club currently participate in the FAI Football for All programme for children with disabilities which provides equal opportunities and choice for children to participate in soccer. There is currently no frame football facility (which is similar to a small astro turf pitch) in Dublin.

Following the lobbying of Councillor Vicki Casserley with the support of Cllr William Lavelle, SDCC have agreed in principle to assist in development of a frame football facility in Lucan in conjunction with Esker Celtic FC. SDCC have agreed to fund €45,000, the cost of the facility is an estimated €90,000.

The Esker Celtic FC frame football team is made up of kids who need a frame to walk or who benefit from using a frame to play football. They may use their legs or the frame to move the ball but all other rules are the same.

Currently Esker Celtic have the only frame football team in the country.

Cllr Casserley told The Echo:”They are the only club locally that has pushed this forward. Football for all is all about inclusion and encouraging those with disabilities to take part and work to their abilities.

“I have been a consistent supporter of the development and promotion of frame football.

“Lucan has been fortunate that Esker Celtic FC participate in the FAI Football for All programme for children with disabilities providing equal opportunity and choice for children to participate in soccer.”

She added: “There are a lot more steps to take in terms of securing all the funding, planning permission, etc. But I am delighted we are now pointing in the right direction”.