Soccer
Cerebral Palsy Soccer began in 1980. We are affiliated to Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CPISRA) and the the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). All players must have Cerebral Palsy to participate Internationally. CPSI has an International Squad but we also have a development Squad for non elite players. Soccer is a very important competitive and recreational sport for CPSI. It has been supported now for some 20 Years.
The game is played with 7 players a side. Modifications and changes to the International FIFA rules, allows individuals with Cerebral Palsy to participate. Some of the rules include the pitch and goal posts being smaller and there is no off side rule. Players are also allowed to roll the ball into play or use one arm to take a throw in. Each half of the game is 30 minutes in duration with a 15 minute half time break.
On the field, the soccer team is made up of 7 ambulant cerebral palsy players ranging in classification from 5 to 8. Players are classified according to their functional ability and the impact their ability will have on their performance. Ambulant players classified as 5, 6, 7 and 8 can participate in cerebral palsy soccer.
The benefits of playing Cerebral Palsy soccer are many. Because the individual is playing in a team it allows them to participate in a team sport with other individuals of similar abilities. The individual has an opportunity to develop or enhance new or existing skills and also become involved in learning how to improve their own health and personal well-being. Individuals also learn how to be part of a team setting, where they will learn many new play strategy’s.
The game requires incredible team work, co-ordination and plenty of energy. Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland welcome you to join us to take part in this sport and look forward to seeing you at the next training session.
STRUCTURE
Manager and coach, supporting Senior International and Development Squads
Development Squad
Currently this group comprises some 15-20 players, mainly Dublin based, who come together for Training every Saturday in Sports Link Santry from 12 – 2pm .
The Development Squad participate in monthly matches against Belfast and participate in quarterly matches against Scotland. The team also participate in an annual Four Nations Tournament.
Senior International Squad
The team is representative of many counties in Ireland – including Dublin, Cork, Offaly, Wexford, Clare and Mayo. We have approximately 20 players from the age of 16 upwards. The team trains every Saturday in Sportslink Santry from 12-2pm.
The following competitions are held on a four year cycle:
- Paralympics
- World Championships
- World Cup
- European Championships