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The programme, funded by the Minister for Education Catriona Ruane will see the deployment of 20 full-time coaches from the IFA and GAA in a project aimed at using the relevant sports expertise to help support and compliment existing current Physical Education programmes within the Primary Sector.

Speaking at the launch of the project and after meeting the coaches and children, the minister underlined the significance of the programme and said: "Much has been said about high levels of inactivity among young children and the associated problems of childhood obesity. One of the main reasons for this, I believe, has been the decision of many children to 'opt out' of physical activity.

"This programme will focus on developing the physical literacy skills of our youngest children through Gaelic games or Soccer, giving them a firm foundation on which to build in future years.

"They may continue playing these sports as they grow and develop or they may move into other sporting areas. The key point is that we will be developing in them an enthusiasm for sport that they will take with them as they grow. There is also a strong emphasis in this programme on boosting the confidence and enjoyment of primary teachers in their approach to teaching Physical Education."

As part of the programme, teachers will work alongside the specialist coaches to plan, deliver and review the courses and will follow aspects through into class work and homework projects.

Lee Carroll, Head of the Grassroots Football at the IFA, said: "This exciting programme recognises the power of sport, and in particular football, to be the vehicle and means to help improve many facets of our children's physical and social development.

"This is an excellent opportunity to capture the enthusiasm and interest of children at Primary Schools and will hopefully generate a passion in them to continue and develop their sporting careers.

"It is hoped that long-term, this will help shape their lifestyles in a positive manner as they become young adults.

"The Irish Football Association is fully supportive of the minister's initiative and, as one of the leading governing bodies in the country, believes that the programme can have a positive and far-reaching influence on the physical development of our children."

The IFA project will see coaches go into over 180 schools, around 540 separate classes and directly coach approximately 13,500 Primary School children.

Podium 4 Sport is the official supplier of all the equipment and apparel for the new coaches. The Irish FA and the Head of Grassroots at the IFA, Lee Carroll would like to thank Paul Rothwell, Managing Director of Podium 4 Sport, for supporting the new initiative.