Shaping Futures: How Futsal is changing lives for athletes with Down syndrome

The futsal team during DHL's presentation of gear to the first Irish multisport down syndrome team at Corduff Sports Centre in Dublin. Picture:  Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfille.

In a brightly-lit gym in the Blanchardstown Campus sports hall, the Irish Futsal team gathers for its monthly training session. The team is made up of athletes with Down syndrome who have been handpicked from around the country to represent Ireland. Futsal, a fast-paced indoor football game offers players the chance to hone their skills, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships.

Josh Hennessy from the Liberties in Dublin captains the team and is quite definitive about why he was chosen to take on that role.

“I’m very vocal. I tell the players to get back and defend or to go forward”.

Representing your country is a privilege reserved for a select few, and it’s an honour Hennessy holds dear.

“It feels unreal and wearing the armband for the first time was just unreal,” he says.

Proud Irish team captain, Josh Hennessy at the Irish multisport Down syndrome futsal team training session at Corduff Sports Centre in Dublin. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Futsal provides a unique opportunity for athletes with Down syndrome to thrive, complementing existing programs like the Special Olympics.

Paul Smyth, Head Coach and FAI Football for All Development Officer reflects on the unique power of Futsal: “What really got me about this programme was that Down syndrome players can play against other Down syndrome players. It’s a great way to showcase what these athletes can achieve.”

This focus on inclusivity is echoed by Tessa van Heerden, DSI Louth Meath branch sport coordinator, who explains why equity is essential in disability sport.

When a player with shorter limbs, smaller hands, and low muscle tone plays against someone with an intellectual disability but a more mainstream body, very few players with Down syndrome are selected — often zero, or maybe one.

Van Heerden has been involved in disability sports for almost three decades and has seen tremendous growth in the sector but holds onto a clear vision for its future.

“It’s important that we get to players at a younger age. I think up until the age of 10 they should just play for fun but then we should go and try develop more skills and get them to be more training focused to get a bigger pool of players developed.”

Final training ahead of 2023 European Championships, Cian Kelleher, Cork (bib) and Sean Toolin, Waterford at the Irish multisport Down syndrome futsal team training session at Corduff Sports Centre in Dublin. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

The road to an inclusive sporting environment hasn’t been without its challenges but the willingness from communities to contribute towards it’s growth and development has been unprecedented.

“These lads would raise money in their local community no bother”, says Smyth.

In addition to FAI funding and community involvement, van Heerden believes there is massive scope for sponsorship opportunities.

“It’s not a massive expenditure. If you look at other sports and other teams travelling, it’s a fraction of the cost.”

The Irish team made its first international trip last year when it took part in the European Championship with plans of a return to Ferrara in June. The challenge for Smyth is that he will have to select the squad in January to give families enough time to fundraise.

“That’s the part you’d love to fix.”

Van Heerden believes the foundations have been laid for Futsal to be a meaningful sporting outlet long into the future.

Where we are is already ahead of ourselves so now it’s about making what we have sustainable.

People with Down syndrome often experience health-related challenges, including issues with their heart, vision, or hearing. Additionally, early-onset dementia is a common concern associated with the condition. The benefits of sport is well known but for a person with Down syndrome, the positive outcomes are abundant.

John Hennessy, Josh’s dad, credits football with transforming his son’s life. Away from football and all the training involved, the 26-year-old works in Café en Seine and attends Crumlin College.

Irish multisport Down syndrome futsal team training session at Corduff Sports Centre in Dublin. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

“In the Liberties, everyone knows Josh. Before he went to Italy, they gave him a big send-off with a banner that read, ‘Captain Josh Hennessy.’”

The love and admiration are more than reciprocated.

“I was in shock and I started crying. Up the Libbos!”

Nine League of Ireland teams have a Futsal team and the aim is to grow that number over the coming years.

“The thought that Josh is playing for Shelbourne, feels like a fairytale. Josh had loads of health difficulties when he was younger and now he has a cap for Ireland - what an achievement.”

For Josh, that cap is just the beginning of what’s to come.

“I want more caps,” he says.