FAI Schools are delighted to announce the launch of this year’s FAI Schools’ 5-a-Side competition. 

Over 16,000 children from every county in Ireland will compete in the most fun filled event of 2011.  

The FAI Schools 5-a-Side is the biggest competition to take place in the 2011 primary school soccer calendar. The competition has been running since the mid 1990’s, the event is more popular than ever with over 1,000 schools currently involved. The games kick off in March and April, with Provincial Finals in May and the National Finals concluding on June 1, 2011. The winners from each county will go forward to their Provincial Finals and they then will battle it out at the National Finals.

There are 5 divisions to suit all school sizes. While FAI Schools encourage boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools. A number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child centered and exciting environment.

The growth of football across the country can be attributed to the FAI’s Regional Development Officers, who have been vital in increasing the number of schools playing the sport, and to the dedication of local organisers who volunteer to run competitions in a professional and meticulous manner. There are county and regional finals currently taking place around the country; click on www.faischools, www.faischoolsmeath.com or www.faischoolsdublin.com for further information.

Don’t miss your opportunity to support the schools involved by attending the Provincial and National Finals.   

National Finals:                Wednesday, June 1, 2011, venue to be confirmed

Leinster Finals:                 Thursday, May 19, 2011, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath

Ulster Finals:                     Thursday, May 19, 2011, Cootehill Harps FC, Cootehill, Co. Cavan  

Connacht Finals:               Wednesday, May 11, 2011, Shiven Rovers FC, Newbridge, Galway

Munster Finals:                 Wednesday, May 11, 2011, Corinthians Park, Castletreasure, Douglas, Cork

To promote the game of Association Football in all schools, contact Diane Fay, National Administrative Officer, Football Association of Ireland Schools on 01 8999522 or by email to diane.fay@fai.ie.