Proud dad on how Derry football tournament has been a 'lifeline' to his son with Down Syndrome

Oxford Bulls are gearing up for their third appearance at the O’Neills Foyle Cup, which returns this month after a three-year hiatus.

The Bulls, which is made up of children with Down Syndrome, is now in its seventh year and has become well-known within the city and wider communities.

The team will compete in the Sports with Disability section at this year’s Foyle Cup with Lurgan side Downs and Proud and Newry outfit Well Wane Warriors.

Kevin Morrison, who is the founder of the Oxford Bulls, said the tournament proved a huge inspiration to all of the team over the years.

“They love taking part in the Foyle Cup and they love the parade as much as anything,” said the Oxford Bulls founder.

“The whole thing is a fantastic opportunity for us to raise awareness around kids and young people with Down Syndrome. Our tagline is ‘Ability not Disability’ and we want people to see the ability our players have so we’re really, really looking forward to it.

“The parade also allows us to be out there as part of a mainstream football tournament and kitted out alongside thousands of other players. It’s a massive thing for our team and we’re extremely proud to be involved in it.”

Kevin’s son Adam also has Down Syndrome and is one of the Bulls’ star players.

Kevin continued: “Adam is addicted to football, he loves playing, training and watching games. But he loves the celebrity side of it as well! He enjoys waving to all the people during the parade and he gets a new haircut each time.

"One year he had a mohawk dyed blue and this year he’s got a ‘Macklemore’ haircut. I didn’t know what it was at first but he’s got it shaved at the sides and had to let it grow on top so he could comb it over!

“It wasn’t always that way, though. He would’ve