SportsWorld, part of the Heatons department store group, has announced it is to be the sponsor of the FAI Summer Soccer Schools programme.
Heating has been involved as the community partner of the association for the past year and this is an extension to put title sponsorship on the FAI’s largest single grass roots programme.
Participants will receive a new fully branded kit, ball and back pack, all exclusive to the SportsWorld FAI Summer Soccer Schools and the sponsorship is working at a detail level by also providing a 20% discount voucher for all football boots at SportsWorld’s 28 stores throughout the Republic.
Early booking is being encouraged by a draw among those who book a place before April 30th for a chance to play at half-time when Ireland take on England at the Aviva Stadium on June 7th.
Alongside the FAI, SportsWorld have announced Temple Street Children’s Hospital as their charity partner of the year. This will involve a number of charity initiatives this year in the hope of fundraising up to €40,000 for Temple Street, along with a player and management visits to the hospital.
Last year’s participation in the camps rose 18.5% to a new record high and the number of camps is to grow again this year to encompass 340 centres, all with fully qualified and Garda vetted coaches.
“It’s very important to see kids start football from a young age,” said Senior international mens manager Martin O’Neill.
“Some will play just to take part and enjoy the sport, while others will go on to bigger things. I had the pleasure of visiting a camp in Westmeath last summer and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the kids learn the basics.”
“Who knows, some could go on to represent Ireland some day.’
“2014 was a record year for the camps, with over €300,000 generated for our host clubs throughout Ireland,” added FAI CEO John Delaney.
“This year promises to be bigger and better, and we are delighted to have SportsWorld on board as title sponsors to get children active throughout the summer months.”
“Sponsoring what is the FAI’s largest grass roots programme is a great fit for us,” said John O’Neill, Chairman, Heatons Group and SportsWorld.
“We’re passionate about football and we are delighted to come on board with the FAI Summer Soccer Schools.”
“We will use this sponsorship as a platform to do something really important within the community by fundraising for sick kids all over Ireland, and naming Temple Street Children’s Hospital as our charity partner of the year”.
