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Bohemians invite up to 80 residents of Direct Provision Centres to tonight's game

Bohemians have extended an invitation for up to 80 residents from three of Dublin's Direct Provis...



Bohemians invite up to 80 resi...
Soccer

Bohemians invite up to 80 residents of Direct Provision Centres to tonight's game

Bohemians have extended an invitation for up to 80 residents from three of Dublin's Direct Provision centres for tonight's game at Dalymount Park.

Bohs take on Drogheda United on Friday evening and taken the initiative in an attempt to help residents of Finglas, Clondalkin and Leeson Street centres to 'integrate through football'. 

"People of many nationalities now call Ireland 'home' and as Dalymount Park is the traditional home of Irish football, we want to let them know they are always welcome to join us here as equals and as part of our club and community," said Bohemian FC president, Chris Brien.

The event is a joint effort between the Bohemian Foundation, Bohemian FC and MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland).

MASI is a "collective movement", who's mission is to "provide a platform for asylum seekers to join together in unity and purpose".

The group are also calling for an end to Direct Provision. 

Direct Provision is intended to provide for the welfare of asylum seekers and their families as they await decisions on their asylum application.

"There is nothing in this world that unifies people more than sports," said Lucky Khambule of MASI. "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."

Bohemian Foundation's 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.

"We view these new fans as integral parts of the 'new Ireland' and we want to show them that Bohs and football in general holds the door open for them to take their place amongst us on the sidelines, in the terraces and on the pitches."

Bohemians invite up to 80 residents of Direct Provision Centres to tonight's game

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