More than 120 pupils from 15 Special Schools throughout Northern Ireland competed for this year’s Special Schools FA Cup run by the Irish FA Foundation.
The Special Schools FA Cup is an annual five-a-side competition divided into two sections: one for Years 8 to 10 and another for Years 11 and over. The schools attending cater for pupils with a learning disability.
Lisburn Leisureplex was the venue for the competition this year. With over 40 competitive games on four pitches, the action was non-stop with plenty of skills on display from the talented students – and lots of goals, too.
In the Years 8 to 10 section, Roddensvale (Larne) defended the trophy with a victory over Tor Bank (Dundonald) in a pulsating final.
Knockevin (Downpatrick) finished in third place and Castle Tower (Ballymena) completed the top four.
In the Years 11 and over section, Glenveagh (Belfast) lifted the trophy after defeating Sandleford from Coleraine in a closely fought final. Roddensvale finished in third place and Castle Tower were fourth.
The Irish FA Foundation’s Development Manager for Disability Football, Alan Crooks, was keen to praise the players after a successful day in Lisburn.
He said: “Well done to all the players for putting on a great show. It is always a pleasure to organise this event and it was great to see so many happy faces enjoying their football.”
Main image: Roddensvale celebrate their success at the Special Schools FA Cup.
Gallery images: Glenveagh players celebrate – and action from a couple of games.
Action from Special Schools FA Cup
