Forde & Roche launch Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5’s

Irish International goalkeeper David Forde and Ireland Women’s striker Stephanie Roche were in Scoil Áine Naofa in Lucan this afternoon to launch the 2014 Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5’s, the biggest national competition in Primary Schools’ soccer:   

The Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5’s is open to primary schools of any size across the country and it will see over 17,000 children competing from 1,000 schools throughout Ireland:  The winners of the provincial finals will then play on Aviva Stadium’s pitch for the All/Ireland Finals on the 28^th May:

Speaking at the launch David Forde said; “The Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5’s is a great football competition for children of all levels of ability, as well as an amazing opportunity for the winners of the provincial finals to line out at Aviva Stadium:”

Dr Ian Callanan of Aviva Health called on parents & schools to get involved in the Competition, stating  – “Aviva Health is delighted to  be involved again this year with the FAI Primary School 5’s: The importance of children participating in physical activity and team sports in primary school can’t be underestimated:  It helps them to get used to an active lifestyle at an early age:  Inactive children are at an increased risk for the early development of health related problems such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and osteoporosis:” 

Fergus McDaid, Secretary of FAI Schools stated, “This is our second year with title sponsors Aviva Health and the competition is growing from strength to strength: FAI Schools are looking forward to increased numbers this year and encourage schools to register early:

This grassroots initiative 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 28 in the Aviva, something which the children will relish I’m sure”

The Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5’s will run across five divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for:  Depending on their size a school can enter several teams into the competition, with entry costing €50 per school:  Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is a separate competition for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers

To find out more information on the Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5’s and how to take part in this year’s competition log on to www:fais:ie

#AvivaHealth5s

ENDS 

Note: This is one of four sponsorships that Aviva are involved in at a grassroots level within Irish Football, with the FAI Junior Cup, the Club of the Year and Soccer Sisters also supported by Aviva: 

2014 Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5’s Schedule

Provincial

Munster Finals:                7^th May 2014, Nenagh AFC, Co: Tipperary

Connacht Finals:             7^th May 2014, Shiven Rovers FC, Newbridge, Galway

Ulster Finals:                     13^th May 2014, Ballyare, Donegal League HQ

Leinster Finals:                13^th May 2014, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Co: Meath

All/Ireland Finals:           28^th May 2014, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Ends

For further information:

Diane Fay – FAI Schools – 01 8999 522 - 086 0404 952

Declan Lee – O’Herlihy Communications – 01 660 2744 - 087 695 7451