Donegal Horizons and Finn Harps team up for successful Inclusion Soccer Camp

Donegal Horizons ran aen Inclusion Soccer Camp - in conjunction with Finn Harps - in Letterkenny over the past month.

Seamus Friel, Donegal Horizons’ senior key worker and a player with Fanad United, came up with the plan initially and the camp took place at Letterkenny Community Centre and was delivered by Stephen McNutt, Finn Harps FC’s social responsibility officer.

“The aim was to raise awareness of adult disabilities,” Friel said. “I found there was not much in the way, camp-wise, for adults with disabilities, so I decided to approach Finn Harps FC and [their community officer] Ann Kelly, who put me in touch with Stephen and then we got things moving with Liam O’Donnell, manager of Letterkenny Community Centre.”

Averaging 45 participants on each of the four Thursdays, the initiative was enjoyed by all and it’s hoped that it’s the first of many, with plans for another in September, possibly even in Gaelic games.

Finn Harps manager Darren Murphy attended on Thursday, with first-team players for a meet-and-greet including goalkeeper Tim Hiemer, who kept goal for a penalty shootout to the delight of the participants before giving his gloves away. Fanad United’s Eoin Logue and Peter Carr also helped out with the coaching.

“It was a great experience for all involved,” Friel continued. “Finn Harps couldn’t have done more for us and Stephen provided all the footballs, bibs and cones to make it a successful camp.

“Some of those who took part are involved with Special Olympics and others with Down Syndrome Donegal, but for many, they don’t have the chance to be involved with a team or matches, so it was great to see everyone get that chance. They came from as far as Gweedore and Stranorlar, Carndonagh and Buncrana so it would be great to get something similar lined up very soon. On Thursday, we finished up and Tobin’s, Abrakebabra, McGettigan’s Bakery and Sonder all donated refreshments for everyone, so thanks to all for everything.”