Last Saturday morning FAI Development Officer Jonathan Tormey welcomed a group of kids from The Al Hilal FC Academy in Gaza to Irishtown Stadium to kick-off a 10-day tour for the soccer mad youngsters with a game against Iveagh Trust FC.
The trip has been mainly organised by Gaza Action Ireland but has gained a lot of support from football clubs and communities across Ireland. The game on Saturday was attended by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Michael MacDonncha, the Lord Layor of Ringsend Tony McDonald and Councillor Chris Andrews.
Councillor Chris Andrews was very grateful to both Iveagh Trust FC for playing both their parts in making the game happen in such a short space of time and FAI development officer Jonathan Tormey for organising the event.
The game itself was a great spectacle with the Gaza kids showing some fantastic skills, running out worthy winners against a very welcoming and determined Iveagh Trust side.
The children from Gaza had been travelling for 48 hours prior to the game and unfortunately had their Head Coach and captain refused travel permits at the airport in Israel but they got on with things and showed some fantastic talent.
The boys have a fully packed schedule which culminates in the boys being guests at the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Shamrock Rovers F.C.and Derry City Football Club on Friday, August 4th in Tallaght Stadium.