The National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools provide children with a fun activity that provides encouragement for positive healthy living. They are a value-for-money activity focused on participation rather than competition. Each week-long (Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 3.00pm) school will be run under the direction of the FAI Technical Director Packie Bonner and FAI National Co-ordinator Philip Behan and delivered by official FAI-qualified coaches. Every coach will also be Garda-vetted in order to provide a safe and professional environment for participants as they learn how to use two feet to pass, control and shoot the ball as well as techniques for heading, chest control and tackling. They'll also have great fun at the same time!
Speaking at the launch, Brendan O'Hora, Head of Communications, National Irish Bank said: "We are very proud to continue our sponsorship of the National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer School Programme, the leading summer sporting activity for children. We are looking forward to another fantastic season following the huge demand for last summer's camps. As well as teaching children the essential skills in football, the camps play an important part in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"Under the direction of Packie Bonner, and with the help of Irish football heroes such as John O'Shea, the Summer Soccer Schools have been very successful in recent years. Their continued success is also key to the continued development of soccer in Ireland. This year, we expect to see over 23,000 children taking part in over 270 venues across the country."
Also at the launch was Packie Bonner, Technical Director of the Football Association of Ireland, who said:
"We are delighted to be launching this year's Summer Soccer Schools in association with National Irish Bank. The Schools have gone from strength to strength in recent years, culminating in the highest number of Summer Soccer Schools - 270 - ever held, including 24 Goalkeeping Camps. This year, we have introduced a completely new kit and accessories which will add greatly to the player experience. All participants will also receive a free season pass to their preferred or local eircom league of Ireland club.
"The FAI is leading the way in terms of best practice in working with children in Summer Camps with all our coaches FAI accredited and Garda Vetted while all our Head Coaches will be medically trained and Irish Heart Foundation certified through the training course they must attend with Hibernian Healthcare.
These exciting developments, along with our excellent week-long programme, mean that the National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools will be the leading summer activity this year for children throughout Ireland."
Republic of Ireland International player John O'Shea said "This is a fantastic opportunity for children to participate in football and learn the skills from FAI qualified coaches. It's an ideal way to have fun during the summer, as well as making new friends and improving their skills in structured and safe environment.''
Each participant will receive a special kit including jersey, shorts and socks, a football, a water bottle and a backpack. As an added incentive for kids to sign up early, anyone who applies before May 15 will get their jersey personalised for free. All participants will also receive a free season pass to their preferred or local eircom league of Ireland club.
In addition, a number of the schools will be run exclusively through the Irish language in counties Donegal, Galway and Kerry. There will also be two Football For All camps with Down Syndrome Ireland and St Josephs School for Deaf Children as well as a special Intercultural camp in the accommodation centre in Mosney involving children from the centre and local children from the surrounding area.
As the camps are extremely popular, the vast majority of them will be fully booked up in the coming months. The FAI is therefore encouraging interested participants to book early to avoid disappointment. The fastest and easiest way to book on is to book online is through the FAI website www.fai.ie or by calling 1890 653 653. Participants can also book on using the application form which is available from all host clubs/venues.
This is National Irish Bank's second year sponsoring the FAI Summer Soccer School Programme. The sponsorship represents National Irish Bank's commitment to its community banking programme, through which it aims to reach into communities and homes throughout Ireland in a way that is tangible. For the FAI, this sponsorship provides additional funding as they progress their development programme for soccer at underage level. It is also National Irish bank's first national sports sponsorship and has already opportunities to raise awareness of the bank across the country.
To book on go to www.summersoccerschools.ie or call 1890 653 653 now!