Tullamore to host national finals of schools competition

Tullamore"s Leah Victoria Park will play host to the national finals of the EA Sports FAI Schools 5-A-Side competition on May 27. Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, Reading and Ireland"s Noel Hunt, along with Republic of Ireland women"s international and world boxing champion Katie Taylor, were in attendance to support the recent launch of the competition. The launch was particularly special for Noel as he participated in the competition as a youngster in Waterford. This grassroots initiative encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasises the fun aspect of the sport. The event saw over 14,000 children participate last year. The competition has been running since the mid 1990s, the event is more popular than ever with 914 schools involved in 2008. Tom Bolger, Chairman of FAI Schools stated, 'This is our second year with title sponsors EA Sports and the competition is growing from strength to strength. FAI Schools are looking forward to increased numbers this year and encourage schools to register early'. The winners from each county will go forward to their provincial finals and then they will battle it out at the national finals. There are five divisions to suit all school sizes. While FAI Schools and EA Sports encourage boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls" schools. A number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child centred and exciting environment. There will be county and regional finals taking place around the country next month; click on www.faischools.ie, www.faischoolsmeath.com or www.faischoolsdublin.com for further information on the events. EA Sports FAI Schools Five-A-Side Fixtures National Finals: 27th May - Tullamore AFC, Leah Victoria Park, Clara Road, Tullamore. Leinster Finals: 20th May - MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan. Ulster Finals: 20th May - Kingspan Century Park, Newbliss Road, Monaghan. Connacht Finals: 13th May - Shiven Rovers AFC, Newbridge, Co Galway. Munster Finals: 13th May - Nenagh AFC, Brickfield, Nenagh.