News
Foundation Learning Disability Football Team Head to Texas for Genuine Cup Tournament
Wed 15th July 2026
The Rangers Charity Foundation is delighted to be sending a squad of participants from our Count Me In programme to Houston, Texas to compete in the 2026 Genuine Cup. The squad will play their matches at Rice Stadium between the 27th July and the 1st August.
Count Me in provides access to football for young adults aged 16-25 with a learning disability. Sessions take place at the Ibrox Community Complex every Friday evening and provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for young people wishing to take part in the game we love.
The programme launched in February 2024 and to date, has provided attendees with the opportunity to travel to Switzerland and the United States to compete at world class facilities and engage with other young people with similar life experiences.
Once again, 12 young adults will make the journey to Texas in late July to represent the Foundation and Rangers FC on the international stage. Their potential opponents include Ajax, Manchester United, Roma, Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami.
Rangers defender, Emmanuel Fernandez, who is the squad’s Genuine Cup Ambassador for the tournament, said:
“It’s a real honour to be asked to support the Foundation’s Count Me In participants as they prepare to represent Rangers at the Genuine Cup in Texas.
“The programme does an incredible job of creating opportunities for young people with additional support needs and gives them the chance to enjoy being part of the Rangers family through football. The positive impact Count Me In has had on so many participants and their families shows just how important initiatives like this are.
“To have the chance to travel to Houston and compete against teams from across the world is an amazing opportunity for everyone involved. Everyone at Rangers is incredibly proud to see the team representing the club on the international stage.
“I hope they enjoy every second of the experience and most importantly, have fun. We’ll all be cheering them on and wish them the very best of luck.”
Foundation Community Programmes Manager, Jordan Boyd, added:
“It’s been a great year for the Count Me In programme and I’m extremely pleased that we are able to travel to Texas again this summer to take part in the Genuine Cup. The group last year had an amazing time and watching them represent the Foundation and the club filled us all with pride.
“Count Me In, provides a great deal of support for the young people taking part as well as their parents and guardians so to be able to give more of our participants this fantastic opportunity once again is hugely important.
“I’m sure everyone travelling for the Genuine Cup this year will have a great experience and we’re looking forward to making some great memories.”
Many young adults with learning disabilities find it difficult to access mainstream sport and group activities. However, through Count Me In, they can access inclusive football where they feel comfortable and valued.
Participants also have the opportunity to develop social skills, improve physical wellbeing and build self-confidence.
This programme is open to young adults aged 16-25 who have a learning disability and would like to take part in football. Sessions currently run at Ibrox Community Complex every Friday between 6:30 and 7:30pm.
If you or someone you know would like to join the Count Me In programme, please contact the Rangers Charity Foundation at: rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk
