Stephen Kenny lends support at launch for Grassroots Fingal’s Futsal programme

The programme caters for young players from U8 to U11 to help showcase their skills in an environment that the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and the great Messi grew up with. Four venues are being used from Corduff in D15, Applewood in Swords, Castlelands in Balbriggan and Gormanston park.

Stephen Kenny attended to help launch the highly anticipated annual six weeks of futsal for 1000+ players in Fingal.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Eoghan O’Brien, said: “Futsal is a terrific way for young players to learn and improve their skills while enjoying the game. In partnership with the FAI and Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre, this programme has gone from strength to strength each year and continues to provide a great service to the young kids of the county during the winter period.”

Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing & Community, added: “Fingal County Council appreciates the commitment of the FAI and the support of the Pavilions to stage this great initiative.  Together with our own sports team, it is a great way along with building in health and nutrition advice for young people, to develop their football skills in a fun environment.”

Run in conjunction with Fingal County Council’s sports department and community partner Swords Pavilions it ensures the youngest players do not go weeks without playing due to pitches being unplayable. There are also the well-known technical and decision-making aspects of futsal which ensures there are goals and skills aplenty.

Commenting on this year’s Futsal program Paul Keogh, FAI/FCC development officer said: ‘We are starting to feel a genuine interest and growth in futsal from grassroots coaches in Ireland. It has taken several years, but coaches are now really embracing futsal as a tool to aid players development and enjoyment of the game. It was fantastic to have Stephen Kenny present and his attacking philosophy sits very well with futsal which is all about freedom of expression and fearless play. Stephen spoke very favourably of futsal and its potential in Ireland. My colleagues Sharon Boyle, Jamie Wilson and Paul Breen were delighted with the number of clubs present at the launch night. Support from Swords Pavilions once again is very welcomed and with their support, we will again be linking this year’s futsal to our healthy eating initiative ‘make nutrition your goal’.

Fingal County Council Senior Sports officer Niall McGuirk added: ‘Futsal is a means for Fingal Sports Office to assist with participation levels and physical activity. Using sport for social and physical wellbeing is of paramount importance and having the added angle of nutritional education once again this year is fantastic. Changing habits is a challenge but from evidence from last year this program really did succeed and it was great to see Swords Pavilions being acknowledged for their support at the recent Fingal Chamber awards’

Stephen Kenny, Ireland u21 International manager added: ‘I was really encouraged by the possibilities of futsal in terms of player development. The essence of attacking play combined with quick decision making is an approach I fully concur with. Some of the most talented players in the world have been exposed to Futsal in their youth which can only aid our future players.’

The programme runs from mid-January until mid-February.