16 October 2015
Dear Coach,
The Ireland U19 Football For All Schools team also known as the Ireland U19 Learning Disabilities (LD) team is one of a number of disability squads supported by the Football Association of Ireland.
To qualify for the team, male players must have an intellectual disability with an IQ equal to or below 75. The players must also have been in receipt of special education assistance and respite care between the ages of 5-18.
The FAI have always trialed and selected players solely from Irish Special Schools for this team however it is becoming commonplace in other countries that opportunities to play are also given to males aged 16-18 who are in mainstream education.
This is an opportunity to play for their country that we would like to offer to males in Ireland aged 16-18. Ireland plays in an annual Home Nations tournament with England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but we hope to expand the opportunities for this team by competing at a world level.
We would ask all coaches within the secondary school system if they are aware of any of their players who would qualify for this squad and have a good standard of football (plays at a good level with Club and School) to see if the player is interested in attending this year's trial.
The Trial for the U19 LD squad will take place on Wednesday 25th November in Portlaoise Leisure Centre in Portlaoise Co. Laois from 11.30am to 2pm.
If you have a player interested or have any queries please inform Oisin Jordan on oisin.jordan@fai.ie or 086 6079223.
Yours In Football
______________________
Oisin Jordan
Football For All National Coordinator
Football Association of Ireland