The next edition of the popular SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme has been launched. The five-a-side school football competition is open to young boys and girls from across Ireland and places an emphasis on fun and inclusivity.

SPAR and the FAI are looking to trump last year’s participation figures, which saw 1,267 schools and 23,736 children lace up their boots to take to pitches around the country. Registration opens in December and closes in mid-February, and county games will kick off at the end of February.

Winning schools progress from county level to regional and then the provincial finals, with the lucky few making it all the way to the national finals, which will be held in the home of Irish football, Aviva Stadium, on 30 May 2017.

The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme is an initiative organised by the Football Association of Ireland Schools (FAI Schools). SPAR Ireland’s support of the competition has been in place since 2015, and has seen participation figures grow year on year to become the largest primary school’s competition in the country.

Speaking about the programme, Colin Donnelly, SPAR Ireland Sales Director said: “SPAR is very proud to be involved in this programme, which gives almost 24,000 boys and girls nationwide the opportunity to represent their school in a national level competition. The level of enthusiasm shown by students and teachers taking part in the programme has been fantastic and is helping to drive the programme to new levels.”

Seán Carr, FAI Schools Chairman added: “The competition has gone from strength to strength in recent years thanks to the assistance of our sponsor, SPAR. The nationwide spread of schools choosing to take part, and the increase in female participation, which now stands at 9,320 students, is particularly pleasing. I would encourage all primary schools to sign up, and experience the positive benefits of the programme first hand.”

Information on entering the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme is available at www.faischools.ie or www.spar.ie.