Dundalk FC is proud to announce the relaunch of the Trí Little Birds School Football Programme booklet, introduced after a successful pilot in April. Created by Dundalk FC’s Aoife Burns and Tom O’Connor in partnership with the FAI’s Futsal in the Yard, the programme now receives support from Healthy Ireland’s Not Around Us campaign.
The programme, reaching over 700 students in 17 Louth schools, brings football to life for kids, promoting teamwork, respect, and positive mental health. This year, Not Around Us introduces a new element, encouraging smoke-free environments around youth. Through activities like colouring contests and mini-matches, students learn the importance of smoke-free spaces while building their football skills!
Aoife Burns, the club’s Football Social Responsibility Officer, said: “It is great to have Healthy Louth on board with the Trí Little Birds School Football Programme. Their funding for this community initiative will allow us to reach more primary schools in the local areas and so many more children will benefit from this Programme.”
Paula Keenan, Healthy Ireland Co-Ordinaor, said: “It’s a great way to get teachers, students and families coming together to spread the Not Around Us message in a creative way through the Trí Little Birds School Football Programme.”
Some of the funding from this campaign allows local clubs to play mini-matches at half-time in Oriel Park, where girls and boys get to display their football skills, with the young players wearing bibs with the Not Around Us logo, reminding everyone to respect smoke-free zones.
If you would like a copy of the booklet, you can download it HERE.
