Two men from Belfast will travel to Wolverhampton this weekend to play for an all-Irish language soccer team representing Ireland.

Joe Mac an Fhailí and Rian McShane are part of the squad assembled by Cumann Sacair Gaeilge. The team will face a side representing Khalistan on Saturday.

The team was founded by Oisín Mac Éo from Derry and Coilín Duffy from County Laoise. Its stated purpose is to provide social opportunities for soccer players through the Irish language.

The team gained official international recognition last year from CONIFA, the Confederation of Independent Football Associations. CONIFA represents nations, regions, minorities and cultural groups that do not have FIFA recognition. Other CONIFA members include teams representing Kurdistan, Tibet and Palestinian refugees.

Mac an Fhailí said the squad will hold its first training session on Saturday morning before playing its first match that evening. He said the team has new jerseys and around 21 players.

He said he is proud to represent the country and that it is important for Irish speakers to have such opportunities. He described the side as the first fully Irish-language soccer team in the country.