Happy footballers
 

Football

Click here to see the latest 11-a-side National Football League fixtures and results.

Football is one of the most popular sports in the programme. 5-a-side leagues run in all regions and an 11-a-side league also runs annually with teams from all regions involved. The women's football programme also continues to develop, with regional squads now training regularly in all regions.

In Ireland 2,178 Special Olympics athletes take part in football in 155 different clubs.

Benefits of Football
Football is a particularly appropriate sport for individuals with intellectual disability.
Football:

  • Involves all of the participants constantly;
  • Is easy to teach and immediately rewarding to play;
  • Allows relatively rapid initial improvement in skills and basic game understanding;
  • Is a great conditioning activity.

The links below will provide you with more detailed information on Football in Special Olympics and also a link to the National Governing Body - the Football Association of Ireland.

Quick Start Guide

Coaching Guide

Rules

Rule Change Summary 2012

Football Association of Ireland Inclusive Supporters Club

The FAI has recently launched its Inclusive Supporters Club (FAIISC).  The aim of FAIISC is to bring the Irish Football Experience to ALL fans in the world class, fully accessible AVIVA stadium.  FAIISC will also represent the views, issues and concerns of Irish football fans with disabilities.  For further information on FAIISC and ticketing options for the AVIVA stadium, please visit the FAI website here. 

You can sign up for membership and for further information on ticketing options for the AVIVA Stadium here.

 

Contact Details


Special Olympics Ireland
Sports Department
Tel: +353 1 8691641
Email: sports@specialolympics.ie