Noel Hunt, Reading and Republic of Ireland International, with Giovanni Trapattoni, Republic of Ireland Manager and Katie Taylor, Republic of Ireland Women’s International and World Boxing Champion were all in attendance to support the official launch of the EA Sports FAI Schools 5 A Side competition in Gannon Park, Malahide.
The launch was particularly special for Noel as he participated in the competition as a youngster in Waterford. This grassroots initiative encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasizes the fun aspect of the sport.
The event saw over 14,000 children participate last year. The competition has been running since the mid 1990’s, the event is more popular than ever with 914 schools involved in 2008.
Tom Bolger, Chairman of FAI Schools stated, “This is our second year with title sponsors EA Sports 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”.
The EA Sports FAI Schools 5 A Side is the biggest and best competition in the 2009 Primary Schools Soccer Calendar. The competition will 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 then they will battle it out at the National Finals.
There are 5 divisions to suit all school sizes. While FAI Schools and EA Sports 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.
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 will be county and regional finals taking place around the country next month; click on www.faischools, www.faischoolsmeath.com or www.faischoolsdublin.com for further information on the events.
Don’t miss your opportunity to support the schools involved by attending the Provincial and National Finals. Nenagh AFC play host to the Munster Final on May 13th while the Connacht Finals are also scheduled for the same date in the magnificent Shiven Rovers AFC in Newbridge, Galway. The following week sees the Ulster Final in Kingspan Century Park, Monaghan and the Leinster Final will be held in the MDL Grounds in Navan, both on May 20th. The competition reaches its finale with the National Finals taking place in the impressive Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore on May 27th
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
For EA Sports:
Aoife Murtagh/Sarah Gallagher
O’Leary PR
Tel: 01-6789888
Email: aoifemurtagh@olearypr.ie
For FAI Schools:
Diane Fay
FAI Schools
Tel: 086-0404952
Email: diane.fay@fai.ie
Notes To Editors:
EA Sports FAI Schools Five A Side Fixtures
National Finals: 27th May 2009, Tullamore AFC, Leah Victoria Park, Clara Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Leinster Finals: 20th May 2009, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath
Ulster Finals: 20th May 2009, Kingspan Century Park, Newbliss Road, Monaghan
Connacht Finals: 13th May 2009, Shiven Rovers AFC, Newbridge, Galway
Munster Finals: 13th May 2009, Nenagh AFC, Brickfield, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA™, EA SPORTS™, EA SPORTS Freestyle™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.easports.co.uk. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.easports.co.uk/press.
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