Courtesy: FAI.ie


Ronnie Whelan launches Project Futsal hub Ballymun

Saturday, 04 February 2012

The official launch of the Ballymun hub of Project Futsal took place on Friday at the Ballymun Civic Centre with special guest, former Republic of Ireland senior team captain Ronnie Whelan, in attendance.

Project Futsal is an EU funded joint initiative between the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Welsh Football Trust (WFT) with the aim of utilizing football as a social inclusion tool in order to facilitate innovative community regeneration.

The FAI are delighted to be involved in such a unique and worthwhile project and look forward to watching the project grow over the next few years. The Association's Development Officers, Paul Whelan and Jamie Wilson, will oversee the work that is undertaken in the hub and it is with thanks to their co-funders, Dublin City Council, that they are able to take charge on a day to basis.

The Ballymun Project FUTSAL Campus is spread over four venues and sees classes and practical sessions being held in Poppintree Sports Centre, Ballymun Leisure Centre, Whitehall College VEC Outreach Centre and DCU in the Community, Shangan Road.

Having this Hub up and running would not be possible without the help and support of a number of groups. Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. fund the local facilities and co-fund the education programme. Dublin City University in the Community and Whitehall College of further education both designed the education programme. All of the students involved in the project are enrolled in the DCU Bridge to Education programme.

Ronnie Whelan said: "I am delighted to be here to support this fantastic project. It is great to see these kids being given a chance to further their education while being involved in football and staying away from trouble in the local area. It is also great to see the students involved in the work experience programme which ensures that they can begin giving back to the community as soon as possible."




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com