Throughout June, July and August, Dublin football club Baldoyle United has hosted weekly training sessions for refugee and asylum seekers living in Hatch Hall, Hatch St accommodation centre.
The initiative is supported by Show Racism the Red Card and manager Martin from Hatch Hall. Every Saturday afternoon the club’s astro facilities are being enjoyed by a group of 10-15 men aged 19 to 40 from the city’s accommodation centre. FAI-qualified coaches from Baldoyle Utd including Justin Reilly, Dave Elliott, Rob Ranson and Dermot Penrose have helped sharpen the skills of the group in a fun and friendly environment. Each session finishes with a friendly match.
Club PRO Dave Nutley said:
“We are delighted to have the lads out each week. They are from all around the world – Afghanistan, Ghana, Congo. You can see they really enjoy the few hours out in Baldoyle and appreciate the opportunity to have a bit of fun playing football. One of the lads said we could sign him for €10 million but his price is dropping every week!”
The club plans to continue the weekly sessions and will be playing a friendly match against local players in the coming weeks.
Baldoyle United is a sports club at the heart of the northside community and recently picked up an FAI Community Club award and Fingal County Council Community Group of the Year award. The club provides football for boys and girls of all ages. To get involved as a player or coach contact the club by email: baldoyleunited@yahoo.ie or text: Dave Nutley at 086 023 1420.
