Sligo Rovers Prison Coaching Programme | Irish Times
- Sligo Rovers Football Club is running a unique football program at Loughan House Open Center in Blacklion,Co Cavan. Conor O’Grady,head of academy at Sligo Rovers,leads weekly training sessions...
- Loughan House is an open prison with minimal restrictions,allowing residents to work in the coffee shop,car wash,and gardens.
- He said many of the prisoners have a genuine love for the game,which helps them connect and feel like themselves again.
Sligo Rovers is making headlines with its innovative football program at Loughan House, as academy head Conor O’Grady coaches prisoners in a groundbreaking initiative. This prison coaching program utilizes football to foster confidence, skills, and successful reintegration into society. Teh weekly training sessions, culminating in a match at Sligo Rovers’ home stadium, are designed to connect with the prisoners through their shared love of the game.The program provides more than just football; it offers workshops and practical work experience.This approach is aimed at helping these individuals rediscover their self-worth. News Directory 3 provides insights into the program’s positive impact and its crucial role in the irish community. Discover what’s next for this transformative program and its impact on the future.
Sligo Rovers Academy Launches Football Program at Irish Prison
Updated June 10, 2025
Sligo Rovers Football Club is running a unique football program at Loughan House Open Center in Blacklion,Co Cavan. Conor O’Grady,head of academy at Sligo Rovers,leads weekly training sessions for the prisoners. The initiative will culminate in a match at rovers’ home stadium.
Loughan House is an open prison with minimal restrictions,allowing residents to work in the coffee shop,car wash,and gardens. Governor Mark Lydon saeid the goal is to equip the men with skills and confidence for a successful return to their communities.
According to O’Grady, football is a unifying force. He said many of the prisoners have a genuine love for the game,which helps them connect and feel like themselves again.
Lee, a prisoner and former Shelbourne and Bohemians player, represented Loughan House at Sligo Rovers’ integration tournament. The teamS victory led to the current training sessions.
The Loughan House program includes a workshop on sport and disability. According to a person familiar with the program, placements and work experiance are offered beyond the initial course. Rovers’ refugee group members have become club volunteers and stewards.
The person added that football is a tool to discover the players’ backgrounds and contributions to society. Many have coaching experience and achievements, and the program encourages them to use these skills after release.
what’s next
The program hopes to expand, offering more opportunities for prisoners to develop skills and reintegrate into society through football and other educational initiatives.