The Republic of Ireland manager visited the summer camps at Templeogue United, Manortown United and Bluebell United today when he met with the boys and girls and their coaches as they enjoy their return to football.
“It’s fantastic to see all the boys and girls right throughout the country back playing football,” Stephen told FAI TV. “We’ve had a year of inactivity and it has hindered their development but also their enjoyment. It is just brilliant to see them out playing football again, whether it is with their camps or playing with their respective teams It’s fantastic and great to see today.”
Watching the smiles on so many young faces at all three venues today, Stephen was delighted to see the boys and girls really enjoying their football and the coaching provided by the FAI staff. He added: “We take these things for granted and it is great to be able to do it and great to see the kids enjoying their football. They are not made to be locked indoors, that’s for sure. And the weather helps, it’s fantastic.”
A spectator at last week’s return of fans for the Bohemians versus Stjarnan UEFA Europa Conference game, Stephen can’t wait to see supporters back in the Aviva Stadium for the World Cup games in September.
He said: “It is really special having fans back. I have been in charge of just four games at home and they have been empty stadiums and there is no comparison really to having the Irish support there.
“We have given so many players their international debut, a high number their competitive debut, and they have never played in front of the Irish support. They haven’t experienced it and that is what you dream about, walking out in front of a packed Irish support – you don’t dream about walking out in an empty stadium.
“We play Portugal away first in September obviously but then two quick fire games when we come back against Azerbaijan and Serbia in the Aviva with a magnificent home crowd with good numbers hopefully depending on everything. It will be great to see a passionate Irish support there at the Aviva Stadium, it will be really special.”
To book your place at an INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer School, visit http://summersoccerschools.ie/bookings
