Killarney Celtic’s ‘Football for All’ goes from strength to strength

FOOTBALL for All is a brilliant initiative run by Killarney Celtic Football Club with Jane O’Donoghue and a group of committed volunteers at the helm who give freely of their time so children with intellectual, physical and sensory needs get an opportunity to play the beautiful game we all love.

“Many of the children go to mainstream school and may not find it as easy to play soccer with some of the other kids in the yard and Football for All gives them the opportunity to play soccer. It’s a great organisation,” said Jane O’Donoghue.

Football for All originally started out as an IFA run initiative by Noel Brosnan for a sixweek period which is when Jane brought her youngest daughter along to a few training sessions. After the six-weeks had elapsed there was no one to take over the course which is when Jane asked a few parents if they would like to get involved and run it themselves.

Five-years later upwards of 55 kids are now playing soccer thanks to this brilliant initiative, while the non-competitive nature of Football for All strikes at the essence of the game which is meant to be enjoyed.

“It can be hard going at times as we have to fundraise for bus travel to games etc., so from the respect it takes a lot of effort but we thoroughly enjoy it. We will soon be doing up our club house to host Santa and it’s important to create a friendly environment for the children,” Jane added.

Santa is on his way to Killarney Celtic on December 7 and preparations are already afoot to make the club grounds as festive as possible. For more information about Football for All join their Facebook group page: ‘Killarney Celtic FC Football for All’.

Jane O’Donoghue, Denise Regan, Amelia Tucker and Claire Doherty collecting plastic milk bottles to make an igloo for the Football for All Santa visit and Christmas Party in Celtic Park, Killarney.