We receive generous help and support in the form of Corporate Sponsorship from the HELM Corporation of Moira, Co Armagh. In addition, however, we are planning a number of initiatives in 2005/06 to raise funds and awareness for the benefit of Elizabeth House. The team has entered a local five-a side league with other expatriate teams with a view to not only winning some games, but raising money through selling our locally made t shirts and paying a fee to play.

The Irish Rovers play a 7 a side exhibition match on a monthly basis against a local team. Mainly this is an exercise in raising awareness, but the 'pay to play' philosophy applies. We also make a point of having t-shirts on hand to sell to expats who turn out to support us on these occasions.

The first match was played at Dhanmondi Cricket Academy (DCA) on 4 December 2005 against a team of club members. We found our perception of Bangladesh as a cricketing nation well and truly challenged by a three goals to one defeat. We put this down to the goals coming against the run of play and the fact that, Chunnu (pictured with our mascot) - Bangladesh's most capped international footballer was in the DCA side. A future match is already planned against a select side from The Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka.

A concert and auction of sporting memorabilia is planned for Saturday 22 April 2006 in Dhaka to raise funds for our work in Bangladesh. Click here for more details.