Aviva has expanded its relationship with Irish soccer through becoming title sponsor of the Aviva Health FAI Primary Schools 5’s.
The tournament brings in 16,000 players from 1,000 schools across the country and this year for the first time will culminate in a national finals day at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, May 25th.
“We are incredibly proud to sponsor this competition and open Aviva Stadium up to Irish families,” said Liz Rowen, Head of Marketing at Aviva Health.
“As a mother of two young girls and working in health insurance, I am acutely aware of the importance exercise and team sport plays in keeping young children healthy. We hope the Aviva Health FAI Primary Schools 5s will contribute to our long-term strategy of improving the health of our children in Ireland and that of future generations.”
Republic of Ireland star Wes Hoolahan, who lit up the stadium with his first international goal last week against Poland was on hand to launch the scheme. Hoolahan was a natural choice given that Aviva sponsors Norwich City where he plays.
“Every player dreams of playing one day in the Aviva Stadium so thanks to Aviva for this  unique opportunity for boys and girls across the country to represent their school, their county and their province in All-Ireland finals at the home of Irish soccer,” he said.
Sean Carr, Chairman of FAI Schools, added, “The numbers participating in this competition are phenomenal with the standard of football improving each year.”
“We are excited about our new partnership with Aviva Health Insurance, who are an ideal sponsor for this competition, and we look forward to working with them to increase the profile of primary school football going forward.”
The agreement is for an initial one year with a hope that will be extended and is in addition to Aviva’s support for the FAI Club of the month award and the Soccer Sisters programme that encourages young girls to play the sport.
The Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5s will run across five divisions to suit all schools sides. Boys and girls are encouraged to play on the same team together, a number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body which gives more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child-centred and exciting environment.
The playing of the national finals at the national stadium echoes the playing of the GAA Allianz Cumman na mBunscoil finals in Croke Park which is always a significant placeholder in children’s sporting lives, as well as their parents.