Saturday saw the first ever Glentoran Inclusion Cup held at New Forge sports complex. It saw teams travel from Liverpool, Southampton and Dublin, with some our local teams attending too. With 250 players, from children to adults, it really was a day for all.
The aim of the organisers was to provide an organised, competitive event to enable greater opportunities to celebrate diversity and for likeminded individuals to meet, build friendships and progress inclusive football in Northern Ireland and beyond.
One team who travelled from Southampton, Inclusive Brendon 66 said ' Thank You To Mark & @GlentoranIFC For Great Event, Looking Forward To Seeing You All Soon. New Friendships Being Made, Once In A Lifetime Memories Being Made For Players & Families...'
It was a day full of fantastic football, with some tense penalty shoot outs across all age groups. With only two heavy showers it definitely did not dampen the spirits of those attending. The day was fast paced and intense, but full of smiling red faces from start to finish.
Bootle Bucks Inclusion Fc said, ' Everyone at inclusion bucks would like to say a massive thanks to Mark and all at @GlentoranIFC for the amazing tournament at the weekend.'
Lourdes Celtic Football For All team, who GFC Inclusion had travelled down to play previously in the year, said 'Fantastic day all round. Very well ran Tournament with plenty of football for everyone , fantastic facilities and organisers were very helpful with everything.... Massive credit too yourself and all of the Glentoran staff for putting on a great day.’
We would like to thank all the teams, local and afar for attending, to all our sponsors for enabling us to make the day happen, and to the staff at New Forge for their hospitality and help in organising.
Thanks in particular to Claire Coney for the incredible amount of important work she put into preparation and management of the event. Claire's contribution to the success of the day cannot be overstated.
Glentoran Inclusion FC would like to sincerely thank NI based charity Jordan's Gift for its financial support for the tournament.
Jordan Kennedy touched so many people during his 22 years.
He was full of fun, full of life and full of love.
Jordan went out of his way to help others.
Following his sudden death, his family and friends began, 'Jordan's Gift', a Northern Ireland charity. The main purpose of the Charity is to honour Jordan’s memory and keep it alive by raising funds to assist young people who are disadvantaged by way of disability or need. The name ‘Jordan’s Gift’ was chosen not only to represent the awards and funds we would distribute as ‘gifts from Jordan’ but also to remember that when Jordan died, he gave the gift of life to many by the donation of his organs.
The charity can be contacted on 07595 217832 or emailed at colin.k@talktalk.net
