News
National
Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools team up with the
Asthma Society
 |
Republic of Ireland and
Manchester Utd Star John O'Shea |
The National Irish FAI Soccer School Programme has teamed
up with the Asthma Society in a joint initiative to raise
education and awareness levels among young footballers
and their parents regarding Asthma.
Over 10,000 children participating
in the National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer School Programme
this summer will all receive a poster, an information
leaflet and child friendly DVD which features Republic
of Ireland and Manchester Utd Star John 'Shea as well
as stars from other codes in Irish sport who are also
Asthmatic.
Commenting on the initiative Dr. Alan
Byrne, Medical Director, FAI said "The FAI are delighted
to team up with the Asthma Society to raise education
levels among young boys and girls and their guardians
regarding Asthma. Asthma, if treated appropriately should
not hinder the development or enjoyment of any young
person wishing to participate in football at any level.
Republic of Ireland International John O'Shea who is
himself Asthmatic is testament to this. The National
Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer School Programme is one
of the largest FAI Grassroots Programmes and represents
a great opportunity for the FAI and the Asthma Society
to work together to get this vital message across in
a friendly and fun way."
Dr. Jean Holohan, CEO of the
Asthma Society said "Football is the largest participation
sport in the Republic of Ireland and as such the Asthma
Society is delighted to link up with the National Irish
Bank FAI Summer Soccer School Programme, the official
Summer Camps of the FAI to raise awareness and education
levels regarding Asthma. As many as 1 in 5 children
have asthma and understandably many parents are nervous
of them participating in sport. Young people with asthma
and their parents may often feel that their condition
forces them to sit on the sidelines or restrict physical
activity thus they can miss out on the benefits of
exercise.We wanted to produce something that would
inspire kids as well as providing practical information
for coaches and parents on how to prepare and help
their child to participate in sport. The "Reach Your
Peak with Asthma" Information pack is supported by
Merck Sharp & Dohme (Irl) Ltd. and the Colin McKeon
Memorial Fund."
"Asthma symptom control can be
achieved for most people with asthma. The need to use
your reliever (blue) inhaler for symptom control more
than twice per week may indicate poor asthma control.
If this is the case you should have your asthma reviewed
with your GP and implement a personal asthma management
plan.
The good news is that when asthma is
properly treated, and the necessary pre-training steps
are undertaken, a normal sports life can become a reality."
Over 223 National Irish Bank FAI Summer
Soccer Schools will run this summer nationwide involving
over 19,000 girls and boys between the ages of 7 to 15
who will all receive a fantastic green kit, water bottle,
shin guards, football, eircom league of Ireland season
pass as well a fantastic week long coaching programme
from FAI accredited and Garda Vetted coaches.
The "Reach
Your Peak" information pack will be available through
schools and sporting bodies or by contacting the Asthma
Society of Ireland at 01 878 8511, for further information
visit www.asthmasociety.ie
Back to News
page |
