INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Football camps set new record

36,341 children took part in the 2023 Summer Soccer Schools across 430 camps with almost 7000 female participants, representing a new record for the programme.

As well as the record number of participants, over 1000 coaches helped deliver the camps across the country for children aged between 6-14 years of age which is designed for children of all ability levels to have fun outdoors in the summer months.

There were 11 Girls Only camps, 36 specialised goalkeeper camps and 11 Football for All camps, up by five on last year, as the FAI Football Camps continues to offer a range of different camps to cater for all.

To celebrate the success of this year's camps, INTERSPORT Elverys are running a competition to be a mascot and play in a half-time exhibition match at the Aviva Stadium when Ireland welcome New Zealand in November.

Entrants must be between 8-12 years old and head to the INTERSPORT Elverys Blog here for all of the competition details.

"It's been another fantastic year for the continued growth of the FAI Football Camps with a record number of participants in 2023," said FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott.

"In the year of the FIFA Women's World Cup, it has been brilliant to see so many young girls participate in this year's camps where we had 11 girls only camps in operation around the country. We also increased our Football for All offering as we continue to make football as inclusive as possible for everyone.

"I'd like to thank the FAI camps team, all of our Development Officers and staff for their hard work in managing the camps and helping achieve such high numbers as well as the crucial support of our sponsors INTERSPORT Elverys."

Anne-Marie Hanly, Intersport Elverys Senior Marketing Manager said, "Intersport Elverys is proud to be the title sponsor of the FAI Football Camps, where we champion the values of inclusivity and accessibility in sports.

"We are committed to helping create a level playing field for all, ensuring children of all abilities have the opportunity to discover the joy of the beautiful game. To further support this aim, we are thrilled to announce a competition, where kids can fulfil their dream, walking out alongside their national heroes, as the official mascots and halftime superstars at an international football match in the Aviva Stadium. Find out more on Elverysblog.ie. "