400 Wicklow students participate in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme
The Bridgewater Centre, Arklow Town played host to the Wicklow County Finals of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme on 8th & 9th March. 400 students from 19 schools participated with just 5 schools earning the right to play at the provincial finals.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams, had four highly competitive schools with the final between the impressive Donoughmore NS and Scoil Naomh Brid. It proved a thrilling encounter with Scoil Naomh Brid winning out in the end.
The ‘B’ Cup again proved to be a tense affair with 20 teams involved in this division. The final was eventually decided on by a late goal which saw Donard NS progress ahead of a talented Wicklow ETNS.
In the large schools category, St Johns NS will represent Wicklow in the next stages in the ‘C’ Cup.
The winners will now progress to the South Leinster Finals on 21st April in Bunclody AFC, Wexford.
The Girls ‘A’ and ‘B’ finals were equally as competitive with Coolafancy NS defeating St. Kieran’s in the Girls ‘A’ Cup, catering for small schools while Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhoir was victorious over Aughrim 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 an impressive 136 students taking part in the Wicklow County Finals this year.
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 Wicklow’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 Wicklow 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 Leisure Centre, 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, Ferrybank AFC, 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
Scott Graham / Account Manager
PSG Sponsorship, Sponsorship Agency of the Year 2015
Sports PR & Sponsorship Activation
Cranford House, Montrose,
Donnybrook, Dublin 4.
E: scott.graham@psgsponsorship.ie
M:+353 860413000
T:+353 1 6342558
Registered Office: PSG Communications Limited, Cranford House, Montrose, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Registered in Ireland: No. 92844
