THE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM
Competition and Comradery!
KLP Wellbeing Initiatives also include Sports Engagement – including Kilkenny's own International Football team. Now in its second year, the International Team is an informal, intercultural community group that has become a welcoming space for new arrivals in Kilkenny. The group has primarily focused on weekly football practice sessions, generously hosted by Freebooters, every Tuesday evening and Sunday morning.
Over the past year, the team has played three friendly matches—one against the Irish Transplant Team and two against State Street. While not yet part of a formal league, the group remains open to arranging friendlies with other community football teams.
SPORTS ENGAGEMENT FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Players come from a wide range of backgrounds, with members representing countries including Somalia, Algeria, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Ireland, among others.
Community and Belonging
With the competition and exercise aside, the group provides:
- A sense of belonging and community in a new country
- A safe, supportive space to meet people and make friends
- Reduced feelings of isolation or loneliness and
- Stress relief which in the long term will have a positive impact on mental health.
WANT TO JOIN?
Contact the SICAP team
056 775 2111
