The Irish FA Foundation’s popular M&S Food Summer Football Camps are back, giving hundreds of children across Northern Ireland the chance to enjoy football, make new friends and stay active during the school holidays.
The annual camps are now underway, with around 900 children already signed up to take part across 12 venues this summer. Following a successful opening week, nine camps remain, with sessions at Lough Moss, Carryduff and Ulster University Jordanstown Campus already sold out due to high demand.
Sponsored by M&S Food, the five-day camps are open to boys and girls aged five to 11.
Designed to provide a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment, the camps give children of all abilities the opportunity to play football, build confidence and develop new skills under the guidance of fully trained and vetted coaches. Alongside football coaching, each week is packed with fun games and activities, ensuring every child enjoys a positive experience regardless of their ability or previous experience.
Foundation Development Manager, Claire Rea, said: “Our Summer Football Camps are all about giving children the opportunity to enjoy football in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment.
“Whether they’re taking their first steps in the game or already play regularly, the camps allow children of all abilities to develop their skills, get outdoors, stay active and make new friends over the summer holidays.
“Alongside plenty of football, there are lots of fun games and activities throughout the week, helping to create memorable experiences for everyone involved.
“We’re delighted with the response so far. While demand has once again been extremely high, we still have places available throughout most of our camps, including Mid Ulster Sports Arena (MUSA) in Cookstown and Dunleath Playing Fields in Downpatrick, and we’d encourage families in those areas to book while spaces remain.”
Each year, thousands of children take part in Irish FA Foundation football camps during the Easter and summer holidays, helping more young people discover a lifelong love of the game in a positive, child-centred environment.
M&S Food sponsors the camps as part of its partnership with the Irish FA and Northern Ireland’s international teams. Through the M&S Food and Irish FA ‘Eat Well, Play Well’ campaign, the partnership uses the power of football to encourage families to make healthier lifestyle and nutrition choices.
Places on the remaining Summer Football Camps can be booked online. Discounts are available when booking multiple children or multiple camps in the same transaction.
