The National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools Deaf Camp kicked off today at St. Joseph's School for the Deaf, Cabra, Dublin 7. The camp which caters for deaf children, will see 70 girls and boys from St. Mary's School for Deaf Girls and St. Joseph's School for Deaf Boys being taught how to use two feet to pass, control and shoot the ball as well as techniques for heading, chest control and tackling.
The FAI trained coaches work with the children's teachers as interpreters to ensure the children have an enjoyable and exciting experience playing football. Additional to the FAI coaches there will also be a number of deaf players who have completed their Kick Start One coaching course assisting in the drills and games. This is an important addition to the camp as it really encourages the kids when they see their deaf piers coaching them. Through the Football For All programme the FAI have supported and developed deaf football over the past 4/5 years and now have programmes within the schools with Futsal and 11-a-side teams competing in mainstream competition. These kids will all have dreams of getting the chance to play for their country either with the mens 11-a-side team, mens Futsal team or the ladies Futsal team.
The National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools provide deaf children with a fun activity that provides encouragement for positive healthy living. They are a fun activity focused on participation rather than competition. Oisin Jordan, National Co-Ordinator of the FAI Football For All Programme said, "It is great to be in a position to continue the success of last year's camp and to be able to increase the numbers involved to 70 kids.
The FAI and the Football For All programme continue to put a lot of resources into the grassroots of Deaf football in an attempt to ensure the sustainability of its senior programmes throughout the regions of Ireland whether it is in 11-a-side football or Futsal. As well as the kids attending this deaf specific camp we are encouraging deaf children all over the country to register on mainstream camps in their local area where the FAI will ensure the supports are put in place so as the player has an enjoyable experience wherever they are in the country"
The FAI will also hold three FAI Summer Soccer Schools this year with Down Syndrome Ireland which will encourage more children and adults with Down Syndrome to participate in Football and allow them to do so at their own level of ability. There will be 3 one day camps hosted in Dublin, Cork and Mayo. Over 40 boys and girls from 7 to 15 years will participate in each camp which will be fully supported by FAI Regional Development Officers.
Philip Behan, National Co-ordinator FAI Summer Soccer School Programme said: "We are delighted to team up this year with Down Syndrome Ireland and with St. Josephs School for the deaf and we are really looking forward to giving the children a fantastic week of fun and football that that they will always remember''
Each participant will receive a special kit including jersey, shorts and socks, a football, a water bottle and a backpack. All participants will also receive a free season pass to their preferred or local eircom league of Ireland club. The FAI Summer Soccer School Programme will take place at over 270 venues nationwide commencing 30th June and finishing 22nd August. Over 23,000 children between the ages of 7 and 15 are expected to attend.
See launch photos on a2zsoccer.com Gallery
For further details of the dates and venues for the National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools, log onto www.fai.ie , www.summersoccerschools.ie , or call 1890 - 653-653.