The biggest and best competition in the 2010
Primary School Soccer Calendar
The National Launch of the Xtra/vision FAI Schools 5-a-side competition was held today (22 March) in Dublin by former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool legend Ray Houghton:
Speaking at the launch today, Ray emphasized the importance of grassroots football: The initiative provides an opportunity for children throughout the country to participate in the sport at an early age and highlights the opportunities available to participants to benefit from sport in an enjoyable environment:
Over 15,000 children from every county in Ireland will compete in the most fun filled event of 2010: The Xtra/vision FAI Schools 5-a-side is the biggest competition to take place in the 2010 primary school soccer calendar:
The competition has been running since the mid 1990’s, the event is more popular than ever with approximately 1,000 schools currently involved: The games kick off in March and April, with Provincial and National Finals taking place this May: The winners from each county will go forward to their Provincial Finals and they then will battle it out at the National Finals:
There are 5 divisions to suit all school sizes: While FAI Schools and Xtra/vision encourage boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools: A number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child centered and exciting environment:
FAI Schools are delighted to announce that Xtra/vision is the new title sponsors of the competition for 2010: Alex Harkin, FAI Schools representative stated, “The competition is growing at an incredible rate with the standard of football improving each year: We are excited about our new partnership with Xtra/vision, who are an ideal sponsor for this competition and we look forward to working with them to increase the profile and image of primary school football going forward”:
Also in attendance at the launch today was Ciara Moore, Marketing Manager with Xtra/vision: Ciara stated: “We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious and important tournament that brings entertainment and participation to the broadest range of school children: The Xtra/vision brand is synonymous with entertainment and fun, rooted at the local level “:
The growth of football across the country can be attributed to the FAI’s Regional Development Officers, who have been vital in increasing the number of schools playing the sport, and to the dedication of local organisers who volunteer to run competitions in a professional and meticulous manner: There are county and regional finals currently taking place around the country; click on www:faischools, www:xtra/vision:ie, www:faischoolsmeath:com or www:faischoolsdublin:com for further information:
Don’t miss your opportunity to support the schools involved by attending the Provincial and National Finals: The Regional Sports Centre in Waterford play host to the Munster Final on May 12th while the Connacht Finals are also scheduled for the same date in the magnificent Shiven Rovers AFC, Newbridge, Galway: The following week sees the Ulster Final in Ballylar FC, Letterkenny and the Leinster Final will be held in the accommodating MDL Grounds in Navan, both on May 19th: The competition reaches its finale with the National Finals taking place in the impressive Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore on May 26th:
/ENDS/
For further information please contact:
For Xtra/vision:
Ciara Moore
Marketing Manager
Tel: 01/4131639
Email: ciara:moore@xtra/vision:ie
For FAI Schools:
Diane Fay
National Administrative Officer
Tel: 086/0404952
Email: diane:fay@fai:ie
Notes to Editors:
PROVINCIAL & NATIONAL FINAL DATES:
National Finals: 26th May 2010, Leah Victoria Park, Clara Road,Tullamore
Leinster Finals: 19th May 2010, MDL Grounds, Navan,Meath
Ulster Finals: 19th May 2010, Ballylar, Letterkenny, Donegal
Connacht Finals: 12th May 2010, Shiven Rovers AFC, Newbridge,Galway
Munster Finals: 12th May 2010, RSC, Waterford