Run in conjunction with the FAI’s Futsal In The Yard, The Trí Little Birds School Football Programme was created by Dundalk FC FSR officer Aoife Burns and Dundalk FC Official Matchday Programme contributor, and local primary school principal, Tom O’Connor.
Fifteen local primary schools are currently taking part in the five-week pilot programme that uses football to promote respect and foster positive relationships between pupils.
“We are delighted to be back in schools with this new pilot programme which revolves around promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, teamwork and communication and, above all, having fun through football,” said Dundalk FC FSR officer Aoife Burns.
An important pillar of the initiative is The Trí Little Birds School Football Programme booklet which was compiled by Aoife and Tom, in conjunction with Mick Neville, the FAI’s Regional Development Officer for Louth.
The 16-page booklet, which has been kindly sponsored by local business Devenney Office Supplies, is packed full of Dundalk FC-based activities and competitions.
Luke Murphy and Dundalk FC FSR officer Aoife Burns, pictured with students at St Nicholas’ Monastery National School, Dundalk who are taking part in the The Trí Little Birds School Football Programme
Young supporters can design a new mascot for the club, become a journalist for a day, and even have their articles and designs published in the award-winning Dundalk FC Official Matchday Programme. A number of coaching programmes are also included which can be used by schools to help with PE lessons.
“We hope that the booklet will leave a lasting impression on schools in the area and we are really excited about the opportunities that local school children have to play a part in the club’s future by designing things like a new mascot and the club’s Summer Camp logo,” said Aoife.
The programme is also built to help participants learn important team building skills that can then be applied to their classroom and other areas in their life, as well as developing their football and Futsal skills.
“Futsal in the Yard is an FAI-based programme that has been running throughout the region and it’s great to see it forming a critical part of this pilot programme,” said Mick Neville.
“As well as the fundamental skills of movement, Futsal helps children develop skills of teamwork and cooperation while also giving them the opportunity to improve their footballing technique and I’m delighted to see that it is part of this project.”
Schools who are currently taking part in The Trí Little Birds Schools Football Programme will receive a copy of the booklet while there are also limited copies available from Dundalk FC FSR officer Aoife Burns.
A PDF of the booklet can also be downloaded here.
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