West Belfast disability football club growing from strength to strength

Cumann Spoirt An Phobail is preparing to take part in the George Best Community Cup

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A West Belfast football coach says the "door is always open" as the club's disability section continues to grow from strength to strength.

Cumann Spoirt An Phobail (CSP) launched its first disability team in 2017 and now has players ranging from the ages of 16 to 54.

The club - which attracts players from across all of Belfast - is preparing for its next competitive venture this week when it takes part in the 2024 George Best Community Cup.

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The big tournament - which is run by the Irish FA and supported by the George Best Foundation and Cash for Kids through the Mary Peters Trust - kicks off on Thursday, June 27 at the Billy Neill Complex in Dundonald.

It is a hugely popular event which this year will see 82 teams take part, including three sides from Cumann Spoirt an Phobail.

"We have over 30 registered players so we will take three teams with us to the competition. The players can't wait as it's a great event to take part in," said coach Micky Corr.

"We finished runners-up in the Ability 2 category last year which was a brilliant achievement considering there are teams from Ireland and across the water taking part.

"We have previously faced the likes of Liverpool, Oldham and Charlton, and then you have teams from the Irish League clubs including Linfield and Glentoran. So it is a good test for the players."

Cumann Spoirt An Phobail was founded by Corr and Joe McDonnell to become the first football club for men and women of all ages with diverse disabilities.

Since then it has grown from strength to strength and has enjoyed plenty of success over years, including victory at the George Best Community Cup back in 2017.

The tournament is a five-a-side competition which is run every year and caters for players with a disability across four different categories.

Leading up to this week's tournament, a number of familiar faces have been wishing the club well, including Larne footballer Levi Ives, comedian Tim McGarry and former light-heavyweight world boxing champion Padraig McCrory.

Corr said: "We have been competing at the tournament for several years and have done well. We have a proud tradition with the George Best Community Cup and it is something we're looking forward to continuing in 2024.

"I started coaching after I retired from playing through injury. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching at CSP over the years and helping these players develop and enjoy their football.

"We have grown so much since launching over seven years ago, and we welcome anyone else who may be interested in joining. The door is always open to anyone."

Corr says the ethos of 'Football For All' runs deep at Cumann Spoirt An Phobail, with the club's success story proving their commitment to disability sports.

"When we started the disability football team, we were the first West Belfast club to do so. A number of clubs then followed," he added.

"There are so many benefits to the club and the teams we have. They absolutely love that two-hour release every week when they get to come along and train and play matches.

"You see what it means to them, and we get a lot of satisfaction from seeing their enjoyment. So hopefully we can continue growing and building."

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