The squad of players, all from the Fingal area, were originally known as Prosper Fingal but a phone-call from manager Robbie Corr to Conan Byrne of Sporting Fingal began the process of incorporating them into the League of Ireland club.

Irish International Kevin Kilbane endorsed the establishment of the Sporting Fingal FC Special Olympics Team as news of the launch emerged.

The Republic of Ireland International was speaking in Dublin at the official launch of the new initiative which is a first for any League of Ireland club.

“This is a great initiative by Sporting Fingal,” said Kilbane. “As the first League of Ireland club to field a Special Olympics team, they are taking a leading role and I think that is to be commended. Hopefully their lead will set the example for more clubs to follow this positive development.”

The Special Olympics Team will wear the official Sporting Fingal FC kit and have already played a match at the first team’s venue, Morton Stadium.

At the launch, Liz Callery, Regional Director of Special Olympics Ireland Eastern Region, said: “Special Olympics Ireland are delighted to have worked with Sporting Fingal to establish the launch of the team into the Fingal community.”

John O’Brien, Secretary of Sporting Fingal, said: “Sporting Fingal was founded with the very clear remit to promote inclusiveness, in all its forms, across the county. It is, therefore, a very real thrill for us to welcome the Special Olympics team on board as part of the Sporting Fingal family. I know that this relationship will not just be of benefit to special needs groups in Fingal, but will assist the further embedding of Sporting Fingal within the community of the whole county.”

Also supporting the initiative was Prosper Fingal Director of Services, Pat Reen. He said: “Prosper Fingal are honoured to be involved with Sporting Fingal for a number of reasons, the most significant being the opportunities it presents to people with intellectual disabilities as a result of the commencement of a Special Olympics team within the Sporting Fingal club.
“This new innovation indicates the inclusive approach of the club and creates a forum whereby the talents and abilities of the players can be recognised and applauded.

“In 2007, eight individuals from Prosper Fingal represented Special Olympics Ireland in soccer in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai and with the support and expertise of Sporting Fingal we hope that this number will continue to grow. We wish the club, and particularly the Special Olympics team the very best of luck into the future.

The Football Association of Ireland are delighted with the foresight shown by Sporting Fingal, as Oisin Jordan, the FAI’s Football For All National Coordinator, stated:

“This launch of the Sporting Fingal Special Olympics Football Club is a unique and fantastic milestone in Disability Football and Special Olympics Ireland’s history in this country.

“As National Co-ordinator of the Football Association of Ireland’s Football For All (FFA) programme, I am delighted to see a League of Ireland club take the gallant step of embracing inclusion within such a high profile environment.

“The FFA programme believes this environment can be mirrored in local clubs across all leagues giving all players with a disability the opportunity of accessing football whatever their ability.

“The FAI is embarking on a five year Football For All Development Plan which will give clubs the training, information and tools they need to allow them to take steps to become more embracing and inclusive.

“This link forged between Special Olympics volunteers and Sporting Fingal will benefit both parties, but especially our players. It is our hope that this new wing of a League or Ireland club will go from strength to strength and be replicated throughout the country.”