 | | Swords
Pavilions Centre Director Ian Hunter, Giovanni Trapattoni and FCC Mayor Cllr Gerry
McGuire |
20-Feb-12: Abbotstown,
FAI headquarters saw Giovanni giving the thumbs up to a community partnership
between the FAI/Fingal County Council and Swords Pavilions. This grassroots initiative
has been a fantastic success to date with 3 afterschool coaching programmes set
up in Balbriggan, 4 more planned for Swords and a unique "Road to Poland" 4v4
Tournament play competition. One lucky winner from this competition will be a
mascot in the Aviva stadium for the last home friendly, Republic of Ireland v
Bosnia, on May 26th before the team sets off for Poland and EURO 2012. Under the
guidance of FAI/Fingal County Council development officers Paul Keogh and Michael
Pender the partnership with Swords Pavilions has meant close to 500+ boys and
girls in primary school will have EURO 2012 brought a little closer to them.
Commenting on the initiative, FAI Head of Grassroots Liam McGroarty said "With
UEFA EURO 2012 on the horizon the FAI are delighted to announce this as one of
many grassroots initiatives aimed at growing participation in the game. Football
plays an important role in many people's lives and hopefully this will bring this
summer's event closer to the hundreds of boys and girls that will no doubt be
taking part in this initiative. We are delighted Swords Pavilions have come on
board as a community partner and we look forward to the excitement of Poland and
the build up through programmes such as these."  | | Swords
Pavilions Centre Director Ian Hunter - FCC Mayor Cllr Gerry McGuire - Giovanni
- Marco - Chloe & Honey Gannon.jpg |
"We are delighted to be
a FAI Community Partner supporting their grassroots skills programme. Both the
After Schools Skills programme and Road to Poland 4v4 Skills programme are great
initiatives that provide an opportunity for kids to get involved in sport and
learn new skills. We see this partnership as a key element of our involvement
in our local community' said Ian Hunter Centre Director at Swords Pavilions Marion
Brown, Principal Sports Development Officer, Fingal County Council, "Fingal County
Council's Sports Office and the FAI have a fantastic relationship and this programme
is another example of how both organisations working together, are affecting young
people in a positive way at grassroots level by involving them in a game that
encourages fun, participation and physical activity." For further details
and a list of schools and venues involved please contact either Paul Keogh 086-0444435
or Michael Pender 087-1273258. | 
