Trap supports local grassroots initiative

REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has given 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 afterschool coaching programmes set up in Balbriggan, Skerries and Swords and a unique

‘Road to Rio’ 4v4 Tournament.

There are also more locations planned for in the second half of the year in Malahide, Portmarnock and Baldoyle.

Under the guidance of FAI/Fingal County Council development officers Paul Keogh and Michael Pender the partnership with Swords Pavilions has meant close to 5,000 plus boys and girls in primary school will have Brazil 2014 brought a little closer to them.

FAI Head of Grassroots Liam McGroarty said:

“With FIFA World Cup 2014 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 next summer’s event closer to the hundreds of boys and girls that will no doubt be taking part in this initiative.

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Mr McGroarty added:

“We are delighted Swords Pavilions have continued to be on board as a community partner and we look forward to the excitement of Brazil and the build up through programmes such as these.

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Ian Hunter, centre director at Swords Pavilions, said they were delighted to support the programme.

“Both the After Schools Skills programme and Road to Rio 4v4 Skills programme are great initiatives that provide an opportunity for kids to get involved in sport and learn new skills,

? he stated.

For further details and a list of schools and venues involved, contact either Paul Keogh on 086-0444435 or Michael Pender on 087-1273258.