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| FAI World Cup Festival of Girl’s Soccer |
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Last week there were many firsts in sport. The first time soccer was played in Thomond Park, the announcement that
Katie Taylor can compete at the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, but also there was a first for over 150 new girl’s
to soccer in Co. Limerick and Co. Clare.
Since May of this year the majority of these girls from U10, U11 and U12 teams had never played soccer before and
now have started training, learned new skills through soccer, and are participating in regular small sided games
with the emphasis on taking part and having fun!
Girls are currently playing soccer with Coonagh Utd, Moyross Ladies, Aisling Annacotty FC, Newtown FC in Shannon,
Regional United, Bilboa FC, Murroe FC, Lifford FC in Ennis, Connolly Celtic FC in Kilmaley, Bridge Utd in Sixmilebridge,
Newmarket Celtic in Newmarket on Fergus, and Mountshannon Celtic in Co. Clare.
The FAI Soccer Sisters programmes have assisted clubs such as Murroe FC, Coonagh Utd, Aisling Annacotty FC,
Connolly Celtic FC, and Mountshannon Celtic FC in introducing girls to the game of soccer.
To celebrate this new venture for these new girl’s soccer teams the FAI hosted a World Cup Festival of Girl’s Soccer
on Monday August 10th 2009 at Coonagh Sports and Social Club grounds.
The evening kicked off with a parade of World Cup soccer nations as teams came in fantastic fancy dress!
The girl’s really looked the part smiling and singing as they represented Spain, Brazil, Argentina,
Ireland, USA, France, Italy and Cameroon!
After the parade, 15 teams played seven minute 7 aside soccer matches at U10 and U12 cheered on
by their many family and friends on the side lines.
For the second part of the evening, all teams took part in a Fun Zone. Here teams rotated their time at Pass
the Parcel, Human Foosball Inflatable, Obstacle Course Inflatable, Soccer Skills, and a Team Quiz.
Packie Bonner also dropped by to share in the fun, signed autographs, posed for photo’s and to announce the winner
of two tickets to Ireland versus Australia at Thomond Park.
There was also lots of FAI Spot Prizes for each team as well as Best Dressed and Team Soccer Quiz Awards.
The event was coordinated by the FAI Women’s Development Officer for Munster (Carol Murphy), and could not have
been carried out without considerable facilitation from the FAI Development Officers in Limerick
and Clare (Barbara Bermingham, Tommy Barrett, Mick McCarthy, Pat Halpin, & Denis Hynes)
and the referee’s (Alison Roche, Jenni Lyttle, Barry Crowe, Eddie Chamney, Tony McElligott, & Denis Hynes).
Thanks also to Coonagh for providing the facilities and the many volunteers from Coonagh that assisted before,
during, and after the event. After a hugely enjoyable evening for all, a similar World Cup Festival is
scheduled in Co. Clare in the near future which promises to continue the emphasis on girl’s having fun through soccer!
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| Girls ready to commence Human Foosball |
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| "Italy" on parade |
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| Referee Barry Crowe in action |
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| "Ireland" goalkeeper in action |
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| Packie Bonner poses for Photo |
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| "Spain" on parade |
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| "Cameroon" on parade |
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