A team of ten players, all living with diabetes, will travel to Bulgaria from July 6th – 10th 2025 to represent the Republic of Ireland at the 2025 Diabetes Euro Futsal Championship.

DIAEURO is the European Futsal Championship specifically for players living with diabetes. It brings together athletes from over twenty-five countries and aims to promote health, inclusion and awareness. While it is a serious sporting competition, it is also a powerful platform to demonstrate that diabetes does not limit a person’s ability to lead an active and fulfilling life. The 2025 Championship will take place in the city of Varna on the Black Sea coast. This week, the group stage draw was announced. Ireland will compete in a challenging group that includes Portugal, United Kingdom, Poland and Croatia.

The Ireland Diabetes Futsal Team was established in 2018 by Cathal Fleming, following his own diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. The team offers players living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes the opportunity to represent their country on the European stage. After competing in 2019 and again in 2023, the team is now preparing for its strongest performance yet. Players from six different counties have been selected for the national squad, following a series of open trials that saw over forty players take part.

Cathal Fleming explained how the project came about: “Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2016 was extremely difficult. I struggled at first to adjust to the changes in my daily life.

But this journey has now led to something truly special. The commitment shown by the lads, travelling long distances to train, is remarkable. We are proud to represent our country in this tournament, and we are determined to give it everything we have. Many of the other teams have more experience, but we certainly have the Irish spirit.”

The competition presents unique challenges, including coping with the intense heat and humidity in Bulgaria, and managing blood glucose levels during high intensity matches. The players are proud to be supported by esteemed partners including Trinity Biotech, West Pharma, and Foys Irish Bar in Vancouver. Cathal added “while we are delighted with the support from our sponsors, the players still need to raise funds to cover some of their travel and accommodation costs, so every contribution will help them represent Ireland and inspire others living with diabetes”.

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