News

The Foundation was delighted to send its Count Me In football team for young adults with learning disabilities to St. Gallen, Switzerland last week to take part in the International Helvetia Cup.

The squad of seven young adults competed in a group alongside FC Koln, FC Bruschgol, Fundacao Benfica and SCR Altach Special Needs.

The International Helvetia Cup is hosted by the Football Is More Foundation with the Cup aiming to allow participating athletes, with and without disabilities, to experience inclusion and to carry these insights into everyday life.

Taking place at the same time was an Amputee Tournament and an Under 17’s Cup which saw professional under 17’s teams from Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique Marseille and SV Werder Bremen represented. Back in 2022 Rangers U17’s also took part in this tournament.

The event was held at the Stadion Gründenmoos, where this group of young people were able to experience state-of the-art sports facilities, a professional tournament schedule and elite treatments.

250 young people with learning disabilities competed in the tournament over the course of three days of matches.

Callum, who was one of the players who took part in the tournament, said:

“It’s been great. We have played a lot of games against a lot of good teams. I think it’s been great to get that experience on an international stage.”

Fellow team member, Hugo, added:

“It’s been really enjoyable getting to pass the ball, score some goals and make new friends.”

Several members of the squad had their parents in attendance. Hugo’s father Darren, said:

“It’s been great to see the boys bonding, getting to play at a tournament like this against all these international sides. They have really enjoyed it and developed as a team.”

Foundation Community Programmes Manager, Jordan Boyd, added:

“It’s been a fantastic trip to Switzerland for everybody involved and I’m so proud of all our participants for playing in this tournament. It was great to give our young people the opportunity to come out here and play whilst also giving them the chance to mix with other young adults from across Europe who may have shared their experiences.”

“The Count Me In programme ensures that we can be a Foundation for everyone and anyone and is a vital part of that mission.”

The Foundation would like to thank Richard and Julie Martin who sponsored our team’s travel to the tournament and the Football Is More (FiM) Foundation for welcoming the Rangers Charity Foundation as part of the FiM Family and for hosting our young players and staff so well in Switzerland.

The Count Me In programme is open to anyone aged 16-25 with a learning disability. Sessions take place on Fridays at 7.30pm to 8.pm at the Ibrox Community Complex, 80 Hinshelwood Drive (directly across from Ibrox Stadium).

To find out more or to sign up for Count Me In, please contact the Foundation on: rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk or 0141 580 8775