“Football on Friday” in the Foyer has been running, with great success in the Glen Resource Centre since October 2006. Initially a forum for residents and staff to pitch their skills against each other, it has developed into a group which now comprises of residents, staff, former residents and friends. Due to the players other commitments, the time slot moved from time to time and for a brief period the Foyer team were playing against a group of foreign nationals.  

However, football reverted to its original slot and the team got into top condition for the “Street League” soccer tournament which was held at the Churchfield Resource Centre during March and April 2008. The tournament included teams from Churchfield Project, Simon Community, The Southsiders (Travelling Community), Liberty Street and the organisers of the tournament, the Community Guards.  

The tournament was broken into two phases with Liberty Street winning the first phase. After much blood, sweat, tears and injuries, the Foyer triumphed in the second phase. The Foyer team will now go to Dublin on 28 May 2008 for trials for squad places in the Irish Street Soccer World Cup Team with their first trophy secured in the cabinet.  

The key to the continuing success of “Football on Friday’s” is it is a fun arena for staff, residents, friends and most importantly, former residents to stay in contact with each other and channel their energy positively. Tackles are made, shots are saved, goals are scored and everyone walks away happier.  

Update: Call Back Trails 

A call back trial for the Irish Homeless World Cup Team took place in Castleknock in Dublin on the 4th of June 2008. Five players from Cork made the trip up for the thirty two man tryout. A player from Cork Simon Community and the Churchfield Project, along with three players from the Foyer team – Kevin Kelleher, Daniel O’Herlihy and Jose Crispim Freitas Sarnes were put through their paces. In the two hour intensive session and teaming rain, everyone was tested on their stamina, speed and skills by the Street Leagues FAI officials. 

The Cork representatives gave their all but ultimately only Cork Simon’s impressive goalkeeper Patrik Tomasik received a call back for further trials. The Foyer goalkeeper- Daniel O’Herlihy was put on the reserve list of players and maybe called upon in the near future.  

The staff of the Foyer would like to congratulate those that missed out this time round and wish them the best in the future. We would also like to thank all the members of the Foyer team and Brendan Mills – Street League Co-ordinator for Cork that made it possible for these individuals to go to the trials and for their commitment in helping the Foyer team win the second phase of the Street League in Cork.