Integration through football – Bohemian FC

Integration through football – Bohemian FC

Beginning of June, the Bohemian Foundation welcomed residents of three Dublin Direct Provision centres to Dalymount Park.

Between 60 and 80 residents of the centres at Finglas, Clondalkin and Leeson St attended the SSE Airtricity League game between Bohemians and Drogheda United as guests.

The event was a joint effort between the Bohemian Foundation, Bohemian Football Club and MASI, while Extreme Adventures Ireland provided transport to and from the game for those residents who wished to attend.

MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland) is a collective movement. Their mission is to provide a platform for asylum seekers to join together in unity and purpose. They are also calling for an end to Direct Provision.

Lucky Khambule of MASI said: “There is nothing in this world that unifies people more than sports. Football will be the winner on this day.

“As invited guests, we are looking forward to mixing with supporters and adding our voices to cheer on Bohemians. We hope everyone who comes along will enjoy their day.”

The Bohemian Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation intent on improving the health and well-being of Bohemians’ North Dublin community.

Organising the event on behalf of the Bohemian Foundation, Kevin Brannigan said: “In Ireland, sport and football in particular holds a key place in the national consciousness.

“It brings people together at a national and local level every weekend in parks and stadiums across the island. Here at Bohs, we want to bring football fans who are currently in Direct Provision into this fold.

Bohemian FC have previously worked with the Irish Refugee Council to highlight the conditions of those living in Direct Provision. The club also unveiled a “Refugees Welcome” mural in Dalymount Park in 2015.