SPAR Ireland and national football association launch FAI School Zone digital learning platform

March 18, 2021 IN THE CATEGORY: Digital and Marketing, Responsible retailing

As part of SPAR’s continued commitment to primary school children and teachers, a new SPAR FAI School Zone has launched with Republic of Ireland International manager Stephen Kenny and SPAR Ireland Sales Director Colin Donnelly. Developed by the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) and sponsored by SPAR, the digital learning platform offers interactive and engaging lesson plans designed with both the classroom and homeschooling in mind. 

The lesson plans have been designed in consultation with a panel of teachers and promise to engage, educate, and enthuse students. The new teaching resource is hosted on the FAI’s website with innovative football-themed lessons uploaded twice a week over the course of 4 weeks – beginning on the 15 March and running until the 12 April.

The heavily resourced and user-friendly lessons cover core subjects such as Maths, History, Geography, English, Art, Irish, and healthy eating. The lessons will be emailed to teachers and parents weekly, along with answer sheets.

Parents and teachers who sign up for the SPAR FAI School Zone will be automatically entered into a competition, which will see one school in each county winning a specially commissioned football kit. One school selected from all participating schools nationwide will win a grand prize of a Zoom call with three Irish International players for their class.

Dedication to grassroots football

The sponsorship of the SPAR FAI School Zone initiative is a continuation of SPAR’s dedication to grassroots football, following on from the successful SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme.

Commenting on the new initiative, SPAR Ireland Sales Director Colin Donnelly said:

“We’ve been supporting the FAI for over six years now through our sponsorship of the SPAR Primary School 5s competition. It’s been an exceptional year for teachers, parents, and students. While the SPAR 5s may not be going ahead, we are equally delighted to be sponsoring this initiative.”

Speaking about the initiative, Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny said, “The SPAR FAI School Zone will give the 4th, 5th and 6th Class students a fun and engaging way to learn through football. Ireland’s men’s and women’s teams feature in the Hub through English and History lessons, while our own FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group is brought to life in a Geography lesson.”

“The past 12 months have been tough for everyone. I hope the School Zone can bring some enjoyment to the boys and girls who will use it.”

Source: SPAR Ireland

Read more SPAR Ireland news.


About SPAR Ireland

SPAR Ireland was established in 1963 and is operated by leading wholesale and retail company, BWG Foods. In 2014, 80% of BWG’s shares were sold to SPAR South Africa. The existing shareholders remain involved in the business.

With a presence in every county across the Republic of Ireland, SPAR is one of the country’s largest convenience retail groups. In developing the business, SPAR Ireland has a long track record of recognising the strategic importance of introducing new retail concepts. It operates three of the four SPAR formats: SPAR, EUROSPAR and SPAR Express, bringing consumers a comprehensive range of innovative products and instore offerings.

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