Football For All initiative a major success for Balrath FC
Balrath FC official Anne Hopkins says there has been "a very positive reaction" to the decision of the club to open up a Football For All (FFA) section.
Recently Balrath FC, who cater for girls and boys, held an 'open night' to launch their FFA section, with the event attended by FAI officials.
The FFA sector operates every Friday night at the club's excellent new facilities in the Kentstown Community Park, with coaching and games.
"We've had over 21 kids turning up even in the lashings of rain there was a great turnout which shows the interest that is there and we would have had a lot more if the weather had been kinder," she added in relation to the opening nights.
"It's great for the kids and we have tea and coffee for the parents and they have a chance to chat and the kids can go up to the other end of the pitch so it's a bit of a break for parents as well."
Hopkins added the club was eager to be part of the FAI FFA initiative seeing it as an important part of the club's reaction to a changing Ireland.
"We wanted to diversify, we want to attract as many people into the club, no matter the their ethnic background.
"We also want to get more girls playing. We welcome people of all colour, nationalities and those with disabilities as well.
"We just think it's important for the club, and the wider soccer community to be thinking along those lines.
"Society has changed so much that it's up to us to change with it and provide the outlets that are needed for young people to express themselves."
Balrath Girls & Boys FC is part of the North East Schoolboy/Girls League and currently has 15 teams within the club.
FAI Meath Development Officer Richie Smith along with Football For All Development Officer Paul Smyth were in attendance on the club's open night and they expressed support the club on their FFA journey.
“It was fantastic to see the players having such a good time. Huge credit must go to Balrath in embracing this initiative and we hope it can inspire other clubs to consider including Football For All within their club,” Smyth added.
Balrath FC will also be taking part in the FAI Soccer Summer Schools programme.
The club will be staging a camp from 26th July to the 30th July. Booking for the camps in various parts of Meath go live on Thursday 3rd June.
For more information on the Football For All Programme, email footballforall@fai.ie.