An Ireland representative team will travel to Nyon for the third edition of the Unity EURO Cup.

The tournament, which takes place on Thursday, October 10, is an invitee only competition and celebrates those nations who have helped to provide opportunities to those seeking refuge in their country. It was developed alongside UEFA & the UNHCR (the United Nations Refugee Agency). The tournament represents both UEFA’s and National Associations commitment to Football and Social Responsibility as well as the UN's focus on inclusion.

Last year Ireland made it to the final but were defeated by Finland 2-1. The tournament will host 16 teams from national associations across Europe that run football programs to engage refugees. 

In line with the inclusion focus of the tournament, each team is made up of males and females and players with refugee and non-refugee backgrounds. 

This year former Arsenal and Ireland international Siobhán Collins team will travel with the team as an ambassador for the FAI.

Working with Tusla SCSIP, UNHCR, Dublin City Sports and Well-being partnership, a call for players went out and two open trials took place to select players both on technical ability but importantly on an ethos that fits with the Team and the Tournament.

Football Social and Environmental Responsibility/Sustainability Manager  Des Tomlinson said: “The Unity EURO Cup once again uses the reach, high profile and power of football to underline the inclusion message. 

“Thinking about individuals, communities, and society, our game plays a significant role in bringing people together, helping to enhance and maintain people's mental, physical health and social well-being - impacting society more broadly. 

“It’s great to see them travelling again for a tournament that is going from strength-to-strength. I wish them every success in the tournament.”

Head Coach Jonathan Tormey Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership Development Officer said:  “The Unity EURO Cup is the culmination of almost a year’s work from promotion, planning the trials and ultimately making the final selection of the squad.

“It has been a brilliant partnership approach between the FAI, Dublin City Council, TUSLA UEFA and the UNHCR.

“Twelve players will get to play in a brilliant well-run tournament and represent their adopted country on a world stage. It will be a very proud and emotional moment to come from their backgrounds of hardship to now represent Ireland

“It’s a real privilege for myself, players and staff to be able to represent Ireland and shows what an impact sport and football, in this instance, can have to bring unity.”