The return of the FAI MiWadi Football Camps will once again mark the start of summer for tens of thousands of children across Ireland, as the programme celebrates its 30th year with bookings now open nationwide.

Delivered by the FAI in partnership with MiWadi, the camps have become a cornerstone of grassroots football, combining coaching, activity and social interaction in a format that has stood the test of time.

Parents and guardians are being encouraged to secure places early through bookings.faifootballcamps.ie, with demand expected to be high following another strong year in 2025 when more than 35,500 children took part across over 340 locations.

Open to boys and girls aged between six and 14, the five-day camps will again be hosted by local grassroots clubs, with an emphasis on enjoyment, inclusion and learning. Importantly, children do not need to be registered with a club or playing regularly to take part, reinforcing the camps’ role as an accessible entry point into the game.

That accessibility is reflected in the range of options available this year. In addition to the mainstream camps, parents can choose from Girls Only, Goalkeeper, and Football For All camps, the latter designed to cater for children with additional needs. All camps are delivered at FAI Club Mark accredited venues, with Garda-vetted coaches leading sessions that blend skill development with games and activities.

The 2026 programme was officially launched with the support of former Ireland internationals John O’Shea and Julie-Ann Russell, both of whom spoke about the lasting value of the experience.

“My own memories of football camps growing up is that they’re a huge part of the summer holidays and they’re great memories to have,” said O’Shea. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for youngsters to create bonds, work as a team and develop skills. They’ll learn new ideas from the coaches and they can take that back to playing with their friends or with their club.”

Russell echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of the environment created within the camps. “FAI Football Camps is a subject close to my heart. I’ve a daughter myself and when she gets a little bit older the camps are the perfect environment for her to be learning to play football. I think it’s important for children to experience these summer camps. The FAI always have good coaches and it’s a good opportunity to have a positive learning environment, to make new friends and to learn new skills.”

This summer also marks the second year of MiWadi’s involvement as title partner, a collaboration built around encouraging active lifestyles among young people. Each participant will receive an exclusive camp jersey and a football, adding to the sense of occasion that has become synonymous with the programme.

“We’re delighted to be entering our second year of partnership with the MiWadi FAI Football Camps,” said MiWadi Marketing Manager Caroline Hyde. “We’re excited to build on the momentum of last year, bringing even more fun and energy, and creating unforgettable moments for thousands of children across Ireland this summer and beyond.”

Three decades on, the formula remains largely unchanged — football, friends and fun — but its relevance has only grown. In a busy and often fragmented summer landscape, the FAI MiWadi Camps continue to offer something simple and consistent: a place to play, to learn, and to belong.

 

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Image Credit: FAI

 

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