WATCH: Barry Wharton Embraces Work With Children in Direct Provision

We caught up with University of Limerick lecturer and current Shelbourne AFC underage coach Barry Wharton to discuss his work with children in direct Provision and post-direct provision from Knocklasheen in Limerick.

It was a fascinating insight into a huge and invaluable voluntary service to aid children and families who may feel isolated having arrived into the country and struggle with the language barrier.

Barry attempts to support these children in a sporting capacity and with integration into Irish society.

“I fell into it almost accidentally as I’m on the Board of Management at JFK School and we came across a couple of the kids and they would have came through direct provision. I am coaching at Shelbourne AFC and brought them along. One day George Lee of the LEDP asked “Who’s their advocate,” and it quickly became clear that they had nobody to speak to them. We try to get them involved in playing soccer. We got great support from the FAI and in particular Declan Considine has been brilliant with them. “

To view the full interview with Barry, see below.