Nutrition is goal of local initiative

THE FAI, Fingal County Council and its community partner Swords Pavilions have announced an innovative healthy eating initiative via futsal.

The programme will see 1,400 players, aged between 7-12 years, taking part across five Fingal County Council venues and Gormanston Park.

With support from experts in their field, ‘Nutrition Wise,’ a comprehensive child-friendly healthy eating guide, has been designed. It will be issued to all coaches, parents and players taking part over the six weeks along with a nutritional talk for all coaches. The FAI and Fingal County Council’s sports department are delighted to use football and in this instance futsal (the official UEFA and FIFA indoor five a-side game) as a tool to encourage the critical message of healthy eating and lifestyle.

Paul Keogh, FAI/Fingal County Council development officer, said they are looking forward to kicking off the programme when the coaches meet on January 7 and the action itself which starts on January 12 in six different venues. 

“Fingal now boasts many excellent indoor facilities which has enabled us to grow the programme year on year,” said Mr Keogh.  

“Swords Pavilions have been very supportive, and the angle of nutrition can only aid player’s performance on and off the court. 

“Fingal County Council’s sports department are one of the most innovative sports divisions in the country, and their continued support has to be mentioned.

“The nutritional flyer and healthy eating log will hopefully be a great success and if we can help change habits when child obesity is at an all-time high, it would (be) a great result.”

Niall McGuirk, Fingal County Council’s senior sports officer, said: “We have supported the FAI’s futsal module for a number of years under our remit of participation and health and wellbeing. 

“This nutritional aspect is an exciting addition and is in line with our sports department’s objectives and the goal toward a healthy Fingal under a national framework of Healthy Ireland.”

Ian Hunter, centre director of the Swords Pavilions, said they are excited to partner with the FAI and Fingal County Council for the programme.

“It gives kids a fantastic opportunity to express their futsal skills in a safe environment,” said Mr Hunter.