News

A team of inspirational young adults from the Foundation’s Count Me In learning disability football programme have returned from an unforgettable international adventure, having proudly represented the Foundation and Rangers Football Club at the Genuine Cup in Houston, Texas.

Hosted at Rice University, the week-long tournament brought together inclusive teams from around the world for a celebration of football, friendship and opportunity. Our Count Me In group joined up with clubs such as Paris Saint Germain, Inter Milan, Boca Juniors and FC Seoul to make it a truly global and inclusive football festival.

Over the course of the tournament, the Count Me In team displayed skill, determination and teamwork as they took part in five exciting matches. Highlights included a fantastic 3–2 win over Inter Miami CF, a 3–0 victory against Manchester City in the Community, and a spirited performance against previous Genuine Cup holders, Fundació Barça. Every player gave their all, with the team growing in confidence and cohesion throughout the week.

The Count Me In programme, run weekly at the Ibrox Community Complex, supports young adults with learning disabilities through inclusive football sessions that focus on physical wellbeing, communication, and personal development. This international trip gave players the opportunity to experience a professional-style tournament, many for the first time, while representing the Foundation on a world stage.

Claire, whose son Callum was part of the group said:

“I felt extremely proud seeing Callum represent Rangers against other teams from all over the world so much so I was actually sobbing. It was amazing to watch not just all the boys because if it wasn’t for the Foundation running the Count Me In sessions then some of these boys might never have had the chance to go on the trip of a lifetime or even play football in a team.

“I bonded with Cheryl who is the auntie of one the boys in the group and we found common ground and similarities in the way we try to encourage the boys in being more independent with the struggles they face in autism.

“I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts because it was a trip to remember forever.”

Beyond the football, the week was filled with cultural activities, team-building opportunities and new friendships. The team also had the chance to explore Houston, visit the NASA Space Centre where they met retired astronaut, Dominic “Tony” Antonelli. The group were also able to take in a Houston Astros baseball game.

For many participants, this was a first-ever trip abroad, and it became an experience that will stay with them and their families for life.

Foundation Community Programmes Manager, Jordan Boyd, said:

“This trip has been transformational for our participants. To see them travel across the world, represent Rangers, and connect with players from so many different backgrounds was truly special. They’ve grown in confidence, independence, pride and the way they embraced every moment of the Genuine Cup reflects everything Count Me In stands for.”

“I’d also like to say thank you to all the staff and organisers from the Genuine Cup who organised this experience. The whole tournament was so well organised and that really helped make it all the more special for our young people.”

Learn more about Count Me In and get sign up information HERE.