Launched in the impressive Pavilions Shopping Centre, the programme will see 1,400 young players aged between 7-12 taking part across five Fingal County Council venues and Gormanston Park.
The Nutrition Consultancy ‘Nutrition Wise’ have designed a comprehensive child-friendly healthy eating guide and will be issued to all coaches, parents and players taking part over the six weeks along with a nutritional talk for all coaches.
The FAI and Fingal County Council sports department are delighted to use Futsal as a tool to encourage the important message of healthy eating and lifestyle.
Ian Hunter, centre director of the Swords Pavilions, commented: “We are excited to partner with the FAI & Fingal County Council for this Futsal programme taking place across our local community. It gives kids a fantastic opportunity to express their Futsal skills in a safe environment.
"The extra dimension this year of a nutritional element takes this programme a step forward giving the players and their coach’s practical advice in this area while ensuring it’s delivered within the enjoyment of the game.
Paul Keogh, FAI/Fingal County Council Development Officer, added: “We are looking forward to kicking off the programme with our coaches meet on the 7th January and the action itself starts on the 12th January in six different venues.
"Fingal now boasts a number of excellent indoor facilities which has enabled us to grow the programme year-on-year. Pavilions Swords have been very supportive and the angle of nutrition can only aid players performance on and off the court.
"Fingal County Council sports department are one of the most innovative sports divisions in the country and their continued support has to be mentioned. The nutritional flyer and healthy eating log will hopefully be a great success and if we can help change habits when child obesity is at an all-time high it would a great result.”
Niall McGuirk, Fingal County Council Senior Sports Officer, said: “We have supported the FAI’s Futsal module for a number of years under our remit of participation and health and wellbeing. This nutritional aspect is an exciting addition and is in line with our sports department objectives and goal toward a healthy Fingal under a national framework of Healthy Ireland."