Minister Burton meets Project FUTSAL participants
Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD has met with young people from the Ballymun area currently participating in the Project FUTSAL (Football Used Towards Social Advancement and Learning) programme at DCU in the Community in Shangan Road, Ballymun.
During her visit, the Minister was briefed on the FUTSAL programme, a soccer initiative to up-skill people in long-term unemployment. Minister Burton congratulated all the participants involved in the programme,
"You all know how much sports can contribute and there is a lot of potential for very positive interaction between academia and sport. I am someone who has been very critical of the connection of third-level institutions in helping more people to go to college. Programmes such as this, where you come to see the local university as part of your resources, somewhere that you, or your children, or your family can go to, are really critical. It is very important that the community here feels, not only that the university reaches out to the community in the way it is doing now, but also that you feel confident that, if you are inclined and have the interest and desire to go and study, that you will be able to do that."
The Football Career Foundation Programme leads to progression along the FAI Coach education pathway, employment opportunities with FAI Summer Soccer Schools, coaching opportunities at local clubs and schools and opportunities to progress to third-level education. A number of certificates can be awarded as part of the programme:
- Various FETAC Education awards
- FAI Kickstart 1 & 2 Coaching Award
- FAI FUTSAL Coaching Course Certificate
- FAI Goalkeeper Coaching Introductory Certificate
- Referees Beginners’ Course Certificate
- Pan Disability Football Coaching Certificate
DCU in the Community is Dublin City University’s community-based learning centre, acting as a bridge to higher education for the local community. The centre provides a range of access and foundation courses, learning supports, education guidance and advice on third-level options.