Sligo Rovers have launched a new programme of football coaching sessions for prisoners at Loughan House in Co Cavan.
The project is part of the club's football and social responsibility work, which aims to create playing and non-playing opportunities for people from minority and marginalised communities.
The initiative, which is designed to promote improved physical and mental health, will last for six weeks and involves training sessions and a "Disability in Sport" workshop delivered by Cavan Sports Partnership.
Former Sligo Rovers player and current Head of Academy Conor O'Grady is leading the coaching sessions. He said getting involved in sport can be "a turning point" for inmates.
"I think structure and discipline are the big things that sport gives people and being around good people. When you're around good people, you make better decisions."
Lee, who's been in custody for a year, said he had not expected prison to involve programmes from so many outside organisations.
"You think you’re just going to be stuck in custody and coming and going from the yard and the gym. But when other organisations want to get involved, like Sligo Rovers and the Red Cross, it breaks your day up so much, and you're meeting people outside the prison. And to be around that type of environment once or twice a week, it's really good."
Loughan House is an open facility for inmates coming towards the end of their sentence. Some of them, like David, hope the football programme could eventually lead to coaching qualifications that could be used when released.
"It's high-level stuff, the lads from Sligo know their stuff, so it's great to get something like that," he said.
"The endorphins are pumping through the body, and you feel good, and you're able to relax in the evening."
The aim of the programme is to promote physical and mental health in the prison, but it is also about creating a sense of belonging.
Football and Social Responsibility Officer with Sligo Rovers Jamie Murphy said there can be meaningful long-term effects from programmes like this.
"There's good research in the UK that has demonstrated the impact that sessions like this can have in reducing rates of reoffending, because it promotes discipline, communication, respect, working as a group, meeting new people as well."
"Football is the hook, but it’s about more than that. It's not just about coming out for a couple hours session and then forgetting about it. It's much deeper than that."
Governor at Loughan House Mark Lydon said he has observed the benefits for the men taking part.
"I think it gives the men more confidence, it gives them more self-belief. It motivates them; they're engaged. It galvanizes them, and it makes them want to contribute and gives them something to look forward to."
Mr Lydon added that prison inmates deserve opportunities.
"We’re all people. Anybody can make a mistake, and the price is paid. They come to prison, we do our best to try and get them through their sentence and help them prepare for release."
"I think if we can send someone out with the skills, knowledge and ability to resettle and to not re-offend, it means fewer victims moving forward. And I think one less victim is massively important, and the more that we can do that, the better it is for society."
