The RAPID summer Camps have been a great success again this summer, with over 100 children aged between 8 and 12 years from the Canal Communities taking part in Dolphin House, Inchicore and Bluebell. Over a third were girls and one in 6 came from a different ethnic background.

The children got a football kit and football as well as a week’s football coaching from qualified and experienced coaches during the summer holidays.

Children were selected from local youth groups and schools in terms of need, interest in football and behaviour.

This was seen as a reward for good behaviour and it gave the children a positive incentive to appreciate and value being on the programme.

Children take part in a positive social and friendly environment, as well as taking part in a healthy physical activity. Children are given a greater sense of self worth; they can also establish new relationships and they are encouraged to take part more regularly in a healthy activity or even get involved in other sports/physical activities.

The RAPID summer camps encourage a better lifestyle, including diet choices for the kids and a more disciplined and dedicated approach to life.

Please contact David Rake, FAI, at david.rake@fai.ie