Ten young Traveller men to represent Mayo and Ireland at football event in Greece

Ten young Traveller men from Mayo are preparing to represent Ireland on the international stage at the TUI SOCCA Champions League, taking place in Crete, Greece from October 17 to 20. 

This prestigious tournament brings together over 80 elite six-a-side football teams from across the globe to compete for the title of Europe’s SOCCA Champions.

The team, aged between 18 and 24, earned their place through months of dedication, training, and participation in both local and national league competitions. Their commitment, discipline, and teamwork have been nothing short of inspiring, and their qualification is a testament to their hard work and passion for the sport.

This incredible opportunity has been made possible through the collaborative efforts and generous support of Involve Youth Services, MSL ETB Youth Services, Mayo North East SICAP, Mayo Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), and Mayo Sports Partnership. Two youth workers from Involve Youth Services in Ballina will accompany the team to provide guidance and support throughout the tournament.

A celebratory photoshoot and send-off event took place on Tuesday evening, where the team was joined by their youth leaders, representatives from the supporting agencies, and Cllr Jarlath Munnelly, Chair of Ballina Municipal District. Cllr Munnelly addressed the gathering, stating: “This is a proud moment for Ballina and for Mayo. These young men have shown what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and teamwork. Their success is a powerful reminder of the talent and potential that exists within all our communities.

"As Chair of Ballina MD and Coordinator of Mayo CYPSC, I am honoured to support this initiative and wish the team every success in Crete.”

James Maughan, Coordinator, Involve Youth Services who will accompany the team, praised the young men’s dedication: “These lads have trained tirelessly over the past year, showing up week after week, rain or shine. They’ve earned their place at the SOCCA Champions League through sheer grit and commitment. It’s been a privilege to support them on this journey, and we’re incredibly proud of how far they’ve come.”

Anne Finn, representing Mayo North East SICAP, highlighted the broader significance of the team’s achievement: “This is more than just a sporting success, it’s a moment of pride and visibility for young Traveller men who are too often overlooked or marginalised. Their participation on a global stage sends a powerful message about inclusion, resilience, and the importance of investing in our young people. We hope the wider community will join us in celebrating this fantastic achievement.”

The young men’s families and communities have been a vital source of encouragement throughout their journey. Their participation in this global event is not only a personal triumph but also a powerful moment of visibility and pride for the Traveller community.

This is a moment to celebrate not only sporting excellence but also the resilience, talent, and potential of young people from all backgrounds. The team now prepares to travel to Crete, where they will proudly represent Ballina, County Mayo and Ireland in front of a global audience. This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

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