For the next six weeks we want you to cheer on your new favourite team - United FC. You'll see them in the feel-good teen docuseries that will have you kicking every ball and kick-starting crucial conversations across Ireland - United FC starts Thursday at 5.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
The new series is presented by Jordan Conroy, two-time Olympian and Irish Rugby Sevens legend along with footballer, presenter and content creator Vanessa Ogbonna - did we mention she won The Traitors Ireland too?!
United FC brings together 15 teenagers from diverse Irish backgrounds for the ultimate team challenge. Part coming-of-age story, part football camp, this thought-provoking series follows these teens as they meet, train and form lasting bonds in the run-up to a soccer tournament. It's not just about goals, it's about identity, resilience, inclusivity and the shared experience of growing up in Ireland today.
Everything builds up to a big tournament, and for the big blitz we called in some extra help from Shamrock Rovers and Cape Verde defender Roberto 'Pico’ Lopes and Girls in Green legend Áine O’Gorman. What will the pros think of the United FC squad?
Jordan: said: "The interesting concept is what drew me to the show in the first place. We all shared something in common - having different backgrounds yet living in similar types of communities. In today’s society, that can be a very sensitive subject. We have fifteen different individuals coming together through sports, which is incredibly important. Sports can be used for so many positive things – not just for physical health, but also for building understanding and connection. I think it’s important to lead with kindness. The kids showed a lot of kindness towards one another, and that’s what brought them so close. The big lesson is that it doesn’t matter where you come from, what skin colour you have, or what language you speak."
Vanessa said: "It’s been a privilege to be a part of each of these kids’ experiences. I found a next level of empathy because everyone comes from a different walk of life and has different needs, they all care for soccer differently. I had to believe in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves, and for some, I had to be harder on them in an attempt to show them that they are worthy of support. They’re growing up in a world of unsolicited information and opinions and some harbour beliefs about themselves that are not their own. I’m happy to have played a small part in that."
Tune in and follow the journey as the team come together, with the help of some sporting heroes, creators and mentors including: Bohemians FC players Liam Smith and Connor Parsons, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers Women's Teams, Ireland’s Fencing Coach Andrei Fedotov, Presenter and Content Creator Mick Medeiros, Westmeath GAA player Boidu Sayeh, Suad Mooge from Sports Against Racism Ireland and Sports Psychologist James J Claffey.
United FC kicks off this and every Thursday at 5.30pm on RTÉ2 - streaming on RTÉ Player.
