The Minister for Integration has called for the “important” work of sport in the area to continue.
Minister John Curran TD was speaking at the Intercultural Football Standards Awards in Dublin last week, which recognised seven soccer clubs for their achievements in the FAI’s new grassroots pilot project to encourage links between local clubs and ethnic minority communities.
The minister said: “Sport is an important vehicle for the promotion of integration of newcomers in Irish society.
“The immigration which has taken place especially since 2004 has changed our society... Therefore, it is important that the work of integration continues.”
Minister Curran presented awards to Willow Park FC, Athlone; Corrib Rangers, Galway City; Coole Park FC, Gort; St Francis FC, Dublin; Mulhuddart Community Foot-ball Club; Errigal College and Bonegee United, Letterkenny; and New Ross Celtic and Rapid, Co Wexford.
FAI intercultural co-ordinator Des Tomlinson commented: “Community partners provided the much needed assistance to clubs in identifying and engaging with individuals and groups from migrant or ethnic minority backgrounds.”
He added: “Reflecting on the examples of good practice, it is heartening to see the many examples of how football and football clubs are contributing towards the process of integration and building the citizens and stars of tomorrow.”
