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.