400 Leitrim students participate in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme
Bee Park, home of Manorhamilton Rangers FC played host to the Leitrim County Final of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme on Wednesday 13th April. 400 students from schools participated with just 4 schools progressing to the provincial finals.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams, had 13 highly competitive teams with the final between the impressive Diffreen NS and St Hughs NS, Dowra. It proved a thrilling encounter with Diffreen NS winning out in the end as their experience as last year’s champions saw them through.
The ‘B’ Cup again proved to be a tense affair with 17 teams involved in this division. Last year’s winner Gaelscoile Liatroma again got back to the final and proved a little too strong over a talented St Clares NS.
The Girls ‘A and ‘B’ finals were held in the Bee Park and Manor Astro with Scoil Mhuire Naofa NS, Carrigallen defeating St Josephs NS, Aughavas in the Girls ‘A’ Cup, catering for small schools. St Patrick’s NS, Drumshanbo was victorious over St. Clares NS in the Girls ‘B’ Cup Final for medium sized schools The girls division has continued to grow over the past number of years with 145 students taking part in the Leitrim County Finals.
All the winners will now progress to the Connacht Finals in Milebush Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on April 27, 2016
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s competition has been in existence since the mid 1990’s and saw nearly 20,000 participants from 1,069 schools involved last season. The competition is run across six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. Depending on their size a school can enter several teams into the competition. Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is a separate competition for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers.
Fergus McDaid, Secretary of FAI Schools stated, “This is our second year with title sponsors SPAR and the competition is expanding year on year. The support shown by SPAR ensured this grassroots initiative really supports Leitrim local talent. The event encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasizes the fun aspect of the sport. FAI Schools are delighted to be hosting the Finals on Wednesday, May 11 in Aviva Stadium, something which the children will relish I’m sure.”
{Anne Gallagher}, SPAR {Marketing Manager} said, “This is a great opportunity for SPAR to support the local community in Leitrim and encourage children to be more active and participate in sport in a fun and competitive way. As a community based retailer, SPAR encourages a healthy and active lifestyle and is proud to be a supporter of primary schools’ soccer in association with the FAI.
No doubt the teachers will be putting in plenty of match practice before the next stage of qualifying as they keep an eye on the ultimate prize... best of luck to all involved. “
Follow the action on social media via #SPAR5s or at www.faischools.ie and www.spar.ie.
ENDS
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Competition
Schedule of Events
REGIONAL
Mid Leinster: April 13, Portlaoise AFC, Laois (Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny)
North Leinster: April 21, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath (Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Longford)
South Leinster: April 21, Bunclody AFC, Wexford (Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow)
PROVINCIAL
Ulster Final: April 21, Lakeside, Aileach FC, Burnfoot, Inishowen, Donegal
Munster Final: April 20, WIT Sports Centre, Waterford
Connacht Final: April 27, Milebush Park, Castlebar, Mayo
Leinster Final: April 28, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
NATIONAL
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s National Finals: May 11, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
For more information:
Jennifer Kelly, PSG Sponsorship – Jennifer.Kelly@psgsponsorship.ie / 085 1076806
Scott Graham, PSG Sponsorship – Scott.Graham@psgsponsorship.ie / 086 3687548
Diane Fay, FAI Schools - Diane.Fay@fai.ie / 086 0404 952