Minister Joan Burton Visits Project FUTSAL



Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton visited the Project FUTSAL Ballymun training hub on Monday, 14th May.

Participants on the Football Association of Ireland’s new Project FUTSAL education programme which features a FETAC 5 major award in Sport & Recreation told the Minister how the course has boosted their job potential.

The course had 80 participants in the pilot hubs delivered in Ballymun, Carlow and Waterford in Ireland and Llangefni in Wales and all will run again in September.

Part-funded by the Ireland Wales Programme 2007-13, Project FUTSAL is a joint initiative by the Football Association of Ireland and the Welsh Football Trust to use the power of sport for social advancement and learning in young adults.

Derek O’Neill, Football Association of Ireland said, “Project FUTSAL is not a football initiative. It’s primarily concerned with advancing employability and education in young adults using football as a tool to attract learners.  There is also a strong emphasis on volunteering and contributing to local communities through sport.  We are delighted with the first run”.

The course is open to both male and female participants who are gaining training and experience in pan disability football coaching, video match analysis, stadium stewarding, IT, communications, football, health education and youth leadership skills.

The course also aims to instil a strong support for volunteerism with each course participant dedicating time to their local communities through the project.

Click here for further information on Project FUTSAL.

Photos: Paul Moran/ Sportsfile