New Gaelic Disability Team 'Foyle All Stars' launched in Derry

An exciting new Gaelic Games team has been launched in The Derry City area aimed at young people under 18 living with a disability. The Foyle All Stars are now recruiting new players to play Gaelic football & Hurling, get active and meet other young people.

The Foyle All Stars is an Ulster GAA Games for All collaborative project with local clubs and coaches supporting players and parents to participate in an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment for everyone.

Training sessions are hosted in a local club each Saturday from 1pm with players getting the chance to visit a range of clubs across the city.

As Connor Mc Gilloway from Foyle All Stars explains “we have set up the club to offer a fun, healthy and social outlet for young people with a physical or learning disability and their families. We welcome new players to join at any time and will support them to develop their individual skills and team play in a safe and inclusive environment tailored to their needs”.

Foyle All Stars was born from several local clubs in the city coming together and undergoing GAA For All training from Ulster GAA Regional Development Officer Paul Callaghan who explains that “GAA Games for All continues to thrive and grow in Ulster with clubs broadening their horizons, aiming to provide an inclusive club environment where we all belong.”

Foyle All Stars are excited to invite the public to their official launch which will take place at half time in the Derry Vs Galway match on Sunday 2nd June at Celtic Park.

Connor outlines that the club also has an exciting summer ahead with a trip planned to Croke Park to play in the Games For All Programme. “This will give our players the opportunity to play on the hallowed turf of Croke Park, just like their GAA football, hurling, camogie and ladies’ football idols.

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"Last year this event brought 493 players and 252 coaches from 27 clubs across the country together to celebrate inclusion and promote Games for All.

You can follow the team’s “Foyle All-Stars” Facebook page or parents can register their child’s interest online at https://shorturl.at/HBbVC where a Foyle All Stars Coach will make contact with them.