East Meath United introduce ‘Football-for-all’ programme
EAST Meath United recently launched their Football-For-All Programme.
The Programme is for primary school age children who have an interest in soccer and would like to develop their skills and have fun in a supportive and non-competitive environment.
‘ The programme is well suited to children who have a disability or additional needs, though is open to any primary school age child who would like to play football, but not on a mainstream team,’ PRO Paul Bacon states.
The club, since the turn of the year, had been developing the program with the support and guidance of Oisin Jordan, the FAI Football for All National Coordinator and Kate Feeney, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Meath Local Sports Partnership.
Kate complimented East Meath United at the launch stating, ‘ how committed and thorough the club had been with their approach to this inclusive development”. Kate noted the meticulous planning and preparation which led to setting up a quality programme, highlighting the creation of a designated Football For All committee, the recruiting of coaches and specialised training for the coaches and volunteers, providing a taster session for players and engaging the wider community through the design of storyboards.
Kate was enthused with the ‘commitment of the club to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the programme to Meath and wishes it every success’.
East Meath United Chairwoman and local Councillor, Sharon Tolan, added ‘it is the clubs desire to include all the community in our futures plans while making our facilities available and accessible for all children who want to enjoy sport in the area. We are looking forward to the next stage of the development with the upand-coming launch of the ‘ Soccer Sisters’ programme’ watch this space East Meath.
Head coach, Stephen Reilly, said ‘I am delighted to be a part of this excellent initiative in the club and community. Sometimes we can lose sight of what’s important in grassroots football and get caught up in the competitive side. Football for all reminds us of what’s really important namely, providing kids of all abilities the opportunity to play the beautiful game in a fun and safe environment.’
Enormous credit must go to the clubs Child Welfare Officer, Lara Synott for her vision and drive in getting this programme off the ground and putting East Meath Utd on the Football-For -All club map.
So, what does Football-for-All’ mean for the children?
Lara advises, ‘Participants on the programme can expect to have fun, make friends and develop their football skills in a safe and supportive environment with the help of a dedicated team of coaches and assistants’.
Director of Football Dave Gaffrey added “this is a great development not just for the club but for the community as a whole. The benefits of football and physical activity are well known. Every child, regardless of ability, should have this option. That’s what Football for All is about?
Attending parent Deirdre McBride explained ‘ this program means a massive amount to us a family; to have an area safe where Kieron can feel equal, accepted and where he can participate without being judged, a place where he can be himself with his own identity and be part of his own team. It is incredibly important for children in this area to avail of this program and these facilities’.