Courtesy: A2z Soccer.com

Kellogs to sponsor Futsal prog

Tue 30 May 2006


The Football Association of Ireland and Kellogg's today announced details of Kellogg's sponsorship of their Inner City Futsal Programme.

Republic of Ireland International Manager Stephen Staunton took time out to help launch the Programme at Dublin's Ballybough House.


The launch was also attended by Technical Director of the FAI Packie Bonner, representatives from Kellogg's, local eircom League and St. Patrick's Athletic player Trevor Molloy and children from the area.


Futsal is the official UEFA and FIFA version of 5 a side football. An estimated 30 million people worldwide play Futsal making it the fastest growing indoor sport in the world. The FAI Inner City Futsal Programme is designed to give young children from the ages of 7-14 years the opportunity to adopt the same approach to soccer as some of the world's elite and most talented players.

The FAI Inner City Futsal programme began as a pilot scheme in 2002 with only four venues. Over the past three years it has grown to 38 venues with over 2000 participants (30% girls).


Kellogg's has recognised the important role this programme plays in the inner city and through its sponsorship hopes to assist the FAI in increasing the number of venues and participation rates through the development of a citywide league. It is also envisaged that the pilot programmes running in Limerick and Cork will be as successful.


Speaking at today's launch Manager Stephen Staunton said, "this is a superb opportunity for young kids in the inner city to develop their skills and perhaps even one day elevate them to the international stage. It offers young children the chance to participate in a physical activity in the heart of their community which is fantastic," he added.


Commenting on the launch, Marketing Director of Kellogg's Noel Hegarty said, "We are delighted to be involved with the Football Association of Ireland in promoting this programme, it gives us the opportunity to play an active role in local communities around Dublin and other cities in the country and allow young children fulfil their potential. The initiative demonstrates Kellogg's ongoing commitment to encouraging people of all ages to get out and get active as part of a healthy lifestyle.


"This programme will have a positive impact on socially disadvantaged areas and promote the opportunity for fair play and foster a "football for all" community," he added.


FAI Technical Director Packie Bonner spoke of the new sponsorship of the Futsal Programme. "With the sponsorship of Kellogg's the Football Association of Ireland is confident this programme will provide the ideal skill building platform for player development. Futsal is available for all ages and gender and with Kellogg's and the FAI behind this programme it will re-ignite the spirit of "street football" in a safe, structured environment."



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