Ireland
IRELAND PRIMED FOR PARIS
Posted by Ireland - 11.08.2011
Eight young men have been selected to represent Ireland at the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup.
The lucky eight have been selected from the Big Issue in Ireland Street Soccer League, a national competition with more than 500 players participating.
One player selected to don the all-green jersey in Paris is Derek Smith, he said: “Getting picked for the team and representing Ireland is a huge achievement for me.
“I’m so proud of myself. Being involved has made me see a better future ahead and given me the self confidence to believe I can achieve my dreams.”
”If someone had told me a year ago that I would be playing soccer for Ireland in the Homeless World Cup I’d have said I’d more likely be dead. Up until now that’s where I was heading and I couldn’t see a way out.”
Sean Kavanagh, founder of the Street Soccer League in Ireland said: “Can you imagine how it feels to represent your country at an international tournament at a sport you love?
“The sense of excitement and anticipation within the team is palpable, this is the culmination of a year of dedication and hard work from these players and now it’s to the field of dreams”
Following an intense nationwide selection process the final squad will hail from Dublin, Belfast, Waterford and Mullingar.
Coach Mick Pender is delighted with the selection and feels the Ireland team will put on a good show in Paris. He said: “We changed the selection process this year, so it took a bit longer but they are a very strong team this year - a good mix and I think they’ll get on well together.
“They’ve a good chance in Paris”