The Beacon private hospital in Dublin has launched a new sports medicine programme with close associations to amateur soccer.
The hospital has launched a capacity for free scans and other medical services for players whose clubs have insurance cover with First Ireland, sponsors of the Athletic Union League in Dublin.
The League is the top level of amateur soccer and runs 16 divisions across the city with matches taking place across the city.
The provision of such medical access to players at this level is aimed at getting them back on to the pitch quicker and was supported at its launch by Damien Duff, James MacLean and John O’Shea ahead of next weekend’s soccer friendly with England at the Aviva Stadium.
“Amateur players get bad injuries like the rest of us so to be looked after by top people more or less free of charge is amazing,” said Duff who also revealed he is likely to be lining out in the SSE Airtricity League before the end of this season.
First Ireland has also been involved in GAA sponsorship as a partner of the Dublin Institute of Technology’s teams.
