128 Wexford students participate in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme
Ferrycarrig park played host to the Wexford County Final of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme on Monday, 11th April. All these schools had come through Local Regional qualifiers so the standard on show was extremely high. 128 students from 14 schools participated with just 6 schools progressing to the South Leinster finals.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams, had 4 highly competitive schools with the final between the impressive Ballyellis NS and Shielbaggan NS. It proved a thrilling encounter with Ballyellis NS winning out in the end on a tight score line of 1-0.
The ‘B’ Cup again proved to be a tense affair with 4 teams involved in this division. The final was eventually decided on penalties. St Kevin’s NS, Tara Hill held there nerve well to win the shoot out 2-0 over a very unfortunate St Ibars NS from Castlebridge.
The ‘C’ Cup was another hard fought contest between 4 passionate schools. CBS Wexford were to find themselves very unlucky as they won all their group games and then lost out in the Final on penalties to an extremely determined St Aidan’s NS from Enniscorthy.
The winners will now progress to the South Leinster Finals on Thursday, 21st April in Bunclody AFC.
The Girls ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Cup finals were held on the same day in Ferrycarrig park with Clongeen NS defeating Boolavogue NS on penalties in the Girls ‘A’ Cup, catering for small schools. Gorey Educate Together was victorious over St Marys in the Girls ‘B’ Cup Final for medium sized schools while Bunscoil Loreto sealed qualification in the Girls ‘C’ Cup for large schools, thanks to their fine display against St Aidans NS
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 Wexford’s 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 Wexford 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