The Sports Direct.com FAI Summer Soccer Schools programme is the FAI’s largest grassroots involvement and one of the most important as it encourages children’s involvement in sport, in a fun and friendly environment.

Now in its 21st year, the summer camps added 5,000 participants to 2016 last year and had over 30,000 children from all around the country taking part.

Camps are priced at €65, with discounts available for siblings and multiple camp bookings, and aimed at children aged between 6 and 14.

They begin on July 3rd at venues around the country and run right through to August 25th.

“It is a great privilege to support these camps, which are superbly run by FAI coaches and allow the children to enjoy the game and make new friends,” said Martin O’Neill at the launch.

“We are always on the look-out for the next Irish star player, so hopefully the star of the future can develop their skills on these camps while enjoying themselves.”

“We have partnered with the FAI to grow awareness and participation of the camps for the last three years and during that time it’s been amazing to see the growth,” said Leonard Brassal, Managing Director of Sports Direct Ireland.

“Last year the camps smashed through their targets with nearly an additional 5,000 children taking part. For us, as a business, our football category continues to grow in line with the camps as parents see the value and quality we offer across clothing, footwear and accessories. 30,000 kids outside playing sport during the summer time is a big achievement for everyone involved.”

All camp participants receive a new fully branded Sports Direct.com FAI Summer Soccer Schools kit, football, backpack and certificate. All attendees will also receive 20% off all Sports Direct clothing, footwear and accessories in store.

For the last three years, the FAI and SportsDirect have used their partnership to raise funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital as their charity partner. Thousands has already been raised for the charity which will continue throughout 2017.