Football legend and Mayor call for annual mixed-ability World Cup for kids
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Mayor has made a plea to host an annual ‘World Cup’ for mixed-ability kids with support from a Northern Ireland football legend.
The first ever five-aside tournament of its kind in the district was hosted at the Leisureplex in Lagan Valley on April 12.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s communities committee has now been urged to bring about the football event each year.
Mayor Amanda Grehan said: “I was delighted to host the Mayor’s World Cup.
"There were eight disability teams who all got to chose a country to play for on the day.
"We had a cerebral palsy team representing Northern Ireland and they were absolutely incredible.
“It was a great event and I hope that it can now go on year after year as a council event.”
Former Northern Ireland footballer Gerry Armstrong, who is famous for his winning goal against World Cup hosts Spain in 1982, was on hand to present medals and trophies to the young mix-ability participants in Lisburn.
The Mayor added: “We had teams from Glentoran, Linfield, Albert Foundry, Ards Rangers, Dungoyne, Northern Ireland CP, Larne Lions Lisburn Distillery Warriors – SEN Football and Ballymacash Rangers.
“A special thanks goes to all who helped to make it a great day including Gerry Armstrong for his dedication and involvement and well deserved on receiving the prestigious award of ‘Services to Inclusion Football’.”
In chambers, Councillor Alan Givan added: “I’d like to concur with the mayor on what was a great event for the children.
“It was also fantastic to have the legendary Gerry Armstrong there to remind everyone ‘we’re not Brazil we’re Northern Ireland’.”