The FAI has received an immediate boost to the financing of their technical development plan, which was launched on Wednesday, with a €2 million Irish Sports Council grant.
The funding was announced yesterday by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, at the launch of the FAI's Futsal Programme at O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin.
Futsal is the official FIFA version of five-a-side football and the FAI, in partnership with the Irish Sports Council, sponsors Dublin Bus, the Irish Youth Foundation and various local authorities, aim to ensure it becomes Ireland's most popular indoor sport through the provision of appropriate equipment.
The FAI plan to bring Futsal to 40 less advantaged inner city communities around the country this summer. "There is no doubt that football is one of the most popular sports in Ireland," said Pat O'Neill, chairman of the Irish Sports Council.
"The strength of the technical plan is that it draws together all the various elements of the sport, assesses the challenges and provides a way forward in a comprehensive, inclusive and dynamic fashion."
The Sports Council says the investment supports its objectives of increasing opportunities to participate in sport, particularly for school aged children.
