History will be made on Friday, October 19 when the Ireland Women's Cerebral Palsy Team takes part in its first ever competitive game as they compete in the Female CP Nations League Tournament.

Set in Denmark, the tournament will see Ireland come up against the host nation, as well as Spain and Netherlands. Hopes are high as excitement continues to build for the players and staff involved.

Recruitment for the team started a year ago through the support structure of the CP Football Academy at the AUL Complex in Dublin and regular sessions has led to more players receiving dedicated coaching and support.

Captain Heather Jameson, who is also an FAI Development Officer for Football For All, believes that competing in the tournament will be the reward for a lot of hard work completed but it can also act as inspiration for many more.

"It is a privilege to be part of this group of players and staff who will represent our country as the first Women's Cerebral Palsy Team, but we are still very much in the early stages of realising the potential of CP Football for women and girls in this country," said Jameson.

"In September 2022, we started our first session with nine players. Now, we have 24 players who attend our monthly sessions. It is fantastic to see that growth in such a short space of time but we know that there are more women and girls who can get involved and we would like to encourage them to come along.

"We know through research and feedback that many girls feel embarassed by having Cerebral Palsy, but there is no better way to break that stigma by providing someone with the opportunity of representing their country on the international stage. These girls can become national heroes and enjoy the challenge of testing themselves against the best players in Europe. We are always open to newcomers and would invite any girl with Cerebral Palsy who wants to play to get in touch."

Jameson is part of a nine-player squad that also includes Georgia Barry, Ella Sherlock, Elsie Friel, Katie Finnegan, Robyn Ennis, Reeva Merriman, Eva Walsh and Ali O’Connor. They will travel to Denmark with a support staff consisting of Mick Doyle (Head Coach), Tina McLoughlin (Assistant Coach), Meghan Gannon (Physio), Bobby Moore (Equipment Officer) and Rachel Kavanagh (Team Operations).

If interested in getting involved with the Girls' CP Academy, contact [email protected]

Female CP Nations League Tournament
Friday, October 19 | Ireland v Spain
Saturday, October 20 | Ireland v Denmark
Sunday, October 21 | Ireland v Netherlands