The Republic of Ireland football team took time out from preparations for their friendly match against Spain to visit a community hit by Hurricane Sandy in New York.

The national side held a coaching session for children outside of the Breezy Point Town Hall and clubhouse, which acted as a shelter for residents who lost their homes from the storm last year.

"It is such a great thing for the community, and the kids in particular to have the soccer team here," the Daily Mail quotes Chief of Rockaway Point Fire Department Valentine as saying.

"Unless they go over to Ireland, they would never get the chance to see them up close and play football with them. This is a big day for the people here."

The total of houses in the area burnt down was 111, while a further 250 were condemned.