‘Players of all abilities will be able to play the game they love’
By William O'Connor
THE recently completed 2G Frame Football Pitch at Hermitage Park, Lucan, was officially opened last week.
The Mayor Mark Ward was joined by Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and John Delaney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), plus guests, to celebrate this wonderful addition to the wealth of inclusive sport and leisure amenities in South Dublin County.
The FAI’s “Football for All” Programme is a network of clubs who provide opportunities for children with specific needs who may struggle to excel in the competitive environment of underage football or who need additional supports to develop as footballers.
The local club, Esker Celtic, have developed a “Football for All” programme that is designed to cater for players who require the use of a walker style frame and also to those who feel that they can compete more equally by using these frames.
The game is played using the frame as an aid with the basic rules of Football in 4v4 or 5v5 games. The pitch at Hermitage will be the first of its type that specifically caters for frame football players.
South Dublin County Council, with the support of the FAI, contracted Sports Labs Ltd. to design the specialised surface, in consultation with the Esker Celtic Frame Football team and contracted Mc Sweeneys Ltd for the build of the pitch over the summer months.
John Delaney, Chief Executive of the FAI said: “This new pitch in Hermitage Park is key to the Association’s ‘Football for All’ strategy and culture. We want everyone to be given the opportunity to play football irrespective of their ability.”
He continued, “Working with South Dublin County Council and Esker Celtic, we know now that more players of all abilities will be able to play the game they love.”
Colm Young, vice-chairman of Esker Celtic Football Club said “Esker Celtic F.C. would like to thank SDCC and the FAI for having the vision and foresight to provide a much welcomed and needed disability footballing facility for the wider community of Lucan.
“Our frame and amputee footballers now have a place to call home.”
Also speaking at the event, Paul Cleary, chairman of Esker Celtic FC said: “Esker Celtic Football Club are very proud to be associated with the new purpose built facility constructed in Hermitage Park by South Dublin County Council and the Football Association of Ireland.”
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