The Ireland Women’s Cerebral Palsy Team finished the 2024 International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Cup with a Bronze Medal.
Participating in their first ever World Cup, the Girls in Green beat Japan 6-1 in their final game of the tournament in Salou, Spain.
This impressive achievement follows on from winning the IFCP Nations League last year and the recent hosting of an International Friendly Series in Dublin.
Ireland started the tournament with a 20-2 win over Denmark before losing to World No 1 USA. But they bounced back with a 4-2 victory over Japan in Group A ahead of falling to defeat to Australia.
The team, who are coached by Aisling Conway and Irene Hehir, made it through to the Bronze Medal game to face Japan for a second time. Goals from Heather Jameson (2), Eva Walsh (2), Elsie Friel and an own goal sealed the win.
Along with the coaching staff, the squad were also supported by Anna Hogan (Physiotherapist) and Antoinette Neamt (Equipment Manager / Logistics).
The development of Cerebral Palsy Football owes a lot to the excellent work done by the CP Football Academy, which is overseen by Rachel Kavanagh and Donal Halpin where they have successfully created clear participation and development pathways for boys and girls over the last number of years.