A
LOCAL authority is hoping to score with a new football initiative aimed at
jobseekers and the unemployed.
Fingal County Council
has teamed up with the FAI to launch a new innovative ‘Stay Active’ programme
aimed at men and women aged 18-50 years.
This free programme will
take place at three locations across the county and is run over three phases
starting with weekday recreational 5-a-side football, progressing to FAI Coach
education courses for interested participants and finishing with linking to
local clubs to assist with coaching underage teams.
Co-ordinated by Fingal
County Council/FAI development officers Paul Keogh, Michael Pender and Sharon
Boyle the programme will be rolled out in Balbriggan, Swords and Mulhuddart.
It is fully supported by
Fingal Leader Partnership, community gardai, and Rapid in Blanchardstown and
Fingal County Council’s sports unit.
Chief executive of the
FAI, John Delaney, said the Stay Active League pilot scheme is one that he
hopes will capture the interest of people who are currently out of work.
“As we all know, the
unemployment rate is increasing and we are happy to use our game in partnership
with local authorities to address this difficult social issue,
? stated Mr
Delaney.
Marion Brown, principal
sports officer at Fingal County Council, said the
“huge
? social benefits of
this initiative can’t be underestimated.
“It allows people to
develop and improve their sports and fitness skills, and encourages them to
become involved in their communities,
? stated Ms Brown.
“Unemployment,
particularly long-term unemployment can be damaging to people’s confidence and
self-esteem, and the proven health and social benefits of sport and active
lifestyles can help reduce these issues in a positive manner.
?
The full list of venues
and times for the Get Active – Stay Active – Turn Up And Play programme are:
?¢ Glebe North
All-Weather, Balbriggan. Starts Wednesday, October 12 from 12noon-1.30pm and
takes place every Wednesday thereafter. Email paul.keogh@fai.ie or call
086-0444435.
?¢ Rivervalley
All-Weather, Swords. Starts Wednesday, October 12, from 12noon-1.30pm and takes
place every Wednesday thereafter. Email mpender@fai.ie or call 087-1273258.
?¢ Mulhuddart
All-Weather. Starts Thursday, October 27 from12pm-1.30pm and takes place every
Thursday thereafter. Email Sharon.boyle@fai.ie or call 087-1323260.