Clubzone: Search underway in Crosshaven for Ireland's next soccer star

Mon, 04 Sep, 2017 - 09:01

In this week's Clubzone we profile the FAI Summer Soccer School which took place at Crosshaven AFC's ground at Camden. Over a week, boys and girls from the area learned the skills of the game.

The Summer Soccer Schools is the FAI's largest grassroots programme and one of the most important as it encourages children's involvement in sport, in a fun and friendly environment.

Conor O'Dea and Callum Walsh seen at the recent FAI Soccer camp at Camden, Crosshaven. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Now in its 21st year, the summer camps had more than 30,000 children from all around the country taking part, which was a new record with an increase of almost 5,000 children on the previous year.

Cormac Pike and Fionn O'Keeffe tussle for possessiomn during one of the matches at the annual FAI Soccer camp at Camden, Crosshaven. Picture: Howard Crowdy

The fun-filled camps aim to introduce children to football and help them develop their skills.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill is an ambassador for the programme.

Cormac Pike is congratulated by team mate David Cantillon after scoring a goal during one of the matches at the FAI Soccer camp at Camden, Crosshaven. Picture: Howard Crowdy

"It is a great privilege to support these camps, which are superbly run by FAI coaches and allow the children to enjoy the game and make new friends," O'Neill said.

Oisin O'Donovan Noonan makes a diving save during the FAI Soccer camp at Camden, Crosshaven. Picture: Howard Crowdy

"We are always on the lookout for the next Irish star player, so hopefully the star of the future can develop their skills on these camps while enjoying themselves."

The camps are delivered by Garda vetted FAI qualified coaches.