Whelan lends support to Project FUTSAL

Former Ireland and Liverpool midfielder Ronnie Whelan has lent his support to a new FAI backed education programme aimed at finding employment for people in disadvantaged areas.

Project FUTSAL (Football Used Towards Social Advancement and Learning) is a joint programme supported by both the FAI and the Welsh Football Trust and is funded by the EU. The project was also supported by several local groups and is part of the Ballymun Regeneration Programme.

Students taking part in the course learn a variety of new skills and study modules in Health and Performance, Communications and Disability studies, as well as improving their football skills and developing an increased knowledge of the game

Speaking at the launch in Ballymun, Whelan revealed how fortunate he felt to have been able to football as a career and encouraged young people to avail of any opportunity that would enable them to find employment.

He said: “Not everyone is lucky enough to have the opportunities that I did have and it’s important young people try to equip themselves as much as possible for a career and try and progress their education as far as they can.

The man who won six league championships and a European cup with Liverpool also acknowledged the tough economic realities that exist today and highlighted the importance projects such as this one offer.

Video produced by Peter O'Doherty of Pod Productions

“Unfortunately Ireland, as we all know, is not going through good times at the moment and the opportunities are getting harder to find However Project Futsal, which is an EU funded project provides opportunities for young people here in Dublin North-West; it provides a valuable opportunity for people to up skill themselves for work and to also further education.”

Whelan went on to thank the FAI, Dublin City Council, Ballymun Regeneration and Dublin City University who have all supported Project FUTSAL.