Southside soccer girls prepare for a major Easter showdown

THOUSANDS of girls from soccer clubs across the Southside are preparing to take part in a series of sports camps this Easter in a bid to play on the hallowed turf of the Aviva Stadium.

The Aviva Soccer Sister Sisters Easter Football Festival was launched last week by mum-of-three Yvonne Connolly and daughter Ali Keating (13).

This year’s Soccer Sisters programme has been revamped and is now offering free camps over the Easter period (April 15 – 26) for girls aged between six and 14-years-of-age. Over 6,000 girls from clubs around the country are expected to take part. 

The free camps on the Southside include Ballyfermot Sports and Leisure Centre and Terenure/Rangers on April 15, for ages six to 14.

On April 15 and 16 Shankill FC will host ages seven to 13 in Shanganagh Park, while on the same dates Inchicore Community Sports Centre and Bluebell Community Sports Centre will host ages six to 12.

Other Southside clubs taking part include Beechwood FC at the Royal Hospital Donnybrook; Irishtown Stadium; Knocklyon United at Ballycullen; Esker Celtic FC at Hermitage Park, Lucan; Brickfield Astro in Drimnagh; Broadford Rovers in Ballinteer, and Lourdes Celtic Football Club in Sundrive Park, Crumlin.

All those participating Southside clubs will be in with a chance to win a place at the Aviva Soccer Sisters Dream Camp, which will take place at Aviva Stadium on May 29.

Here, players will get the opportunity to play on the same field as their national heroes. Parents and coaches will be invited to nominate their clubs for a dream day out in the stadium.

Aviva worked with the FAI to double the number of spaces available nationwide, and for the first time, it is completely free to take part. This year’s festival format will incorporate ‘Come and Try’ camps, where participants will receive a limited-edition Aviva Soccer Sisters Jersey, and an official FAI Aviva Soccer Sisters completion certificate.

The Aviva is also inviting camp participants and parents to share their Aviva Soccer Sisters stories on social media via their new sponsorship platform, #SafeToDream.

Sue Ronan, Head of Women’s Football with the FAI, said: “The Aviva Soccer Sisters Camps have played a significant part in the growth of our game over the past number of years.

“The camps provide young girls with the opportunity to play in a fun, safe environment, something that is very important at that age and which helps to nurture a love for the game.

Brian O’Neill, Head of Communications, Brand and Sponsorship, Aviva Ireland, added: “We are committed to encourage girls to get involved in sport at a young age and we have worked with the FAI to make soccer even more accessible to everyone.”