The Football Association has launched the 25th edition of the popular FAI Summer Soccer Schools in partnership with title sponsor Intersport Elverys.
Republic of Ireland players Rianna Jarrett and Andrew Omobamidele were on hand at Abbotstown for the launch of the programme which will see the Schools return to clubs across the country through July and August.
Catering for boys and girls aged 6 to 14 in a fun and inclusive environment, training is provided by FAI accredited and Garda vetted coaches.
Last year’s programme was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but still saw 13,000 children attending at 175 venues around the country.
This year the number of venues will rise to 300, all of them taking place according to the public health guidelines in place at the time.
Customer Data
The booking website for this year’s camps will be managed by Salesforce partner Tether in a new departure for the FAI and one that will tie together vital pieces of data on the customer base.
The provision of good quality customer data will be an ever more important part of partnership offerings in future and particularly appropriate given the move towards online retail that Intersport Elvery’s and others have seen over the past 15 months.
“I know from personal experience just how exciting it is to be part of the FAI Summer Soccer Schools programme,” said Ireland defender Andrew Omobamidele who was called up to the Senior Men’s squad by Stephen Kenny this week.
“It was one of the highlights of the summer for me and I am delighted to be part of today’s launch.”
“The FAI Summer Soccer Schools are such an exciting part of the summer for young girls and boys all across Ireland and the 25th anniversary promises to be extra special for our young players as they get back on a pitch at last,” added Ireland striker Rianna Jarrett.
More Children Into Football
“We are delighted to have partnered with the FAI on the Summer Soccer Schools initiative which is designed to get more children into football,” added Elvery’s Marketing Manager Anne-Marie Hanly.
“It’s great to have organised sport back and we have exciting plans around our sponsorship of the 25th year.”
“I know the news today that our FAI Summer Soccer Schools programme is going ahead will be welcomed by boys and girls all across Ireland with a real smile of relief and excitement as at last lockdown restrictions ease and our return to football gathers pace<‘ said FAI CEO Jonathan Hill.
“And how great is it to be able to say that. Our thanks to our partner Intersport Elverys who have supported us all the way in getting the schools back on and up and running and we really can’t do these special things without the help of our partners.”
“I know there will be a huge demand for all our dates this year and I want to thank all the parents and guardians who help to make this such a special event for our youngsters,” concluded FAI Head of Grassroots Ger McDermott.
“Their co-operation last summer and the diligence of our venue coordinators, coaches and staff ensured that we adhered to the COVID-19 guidelines in exemplary fashion and kept our players safe. I look forward to the same commitment to our very strict protocols from all involved this summer.”
Booking for the camps will open on June 3rd.
The FAI and Intersport Elverys are among more than 250+ members of the Sport for Business network of sporting and business organisations working together across a number of key areas.
Sport for Business Partners
