Summer Soccer Schools filling up fast

The five National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools taking place in County Westmeath this summer are filling up at record speed, with the camp at Willow Park in Athlone Town almost full. Running nationally during July and August, the week-long camps (Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 3.00pm) are open to boys and girls aged between 7 and 15, and will take place in over 290 locations nationwide - including a number around Westmeath.Details of the camps in County Westmeath are as follows:Mullingar Athletic AFC Gainstown, July 6 - 10Athlone & District Schoolboy/girl League Willow Park, July 20 - 24Athlone & District Schoolboy/girl League Willow Park, August 3 - 7Temple Villa A.F.C Villa Park, Mount Temple August 10 - 14To highlight the importance of beginning a savings habit from a young age, and to tie-in with the Summer Soccer Schools, National Irish Bank is running a special competition to win a VIP package to the Ireland v. Italy 2010 World Cup Qualifier match in Croke Park on October 10. Anyone who has opened a National Irish Bank Junior Savings Account on or before 1September 10 with a minimum balance of €10 can enter. Entry forms will be available for download at www.nationalirishbank.ie and in National Irish Bank branches from the week beginning Monday, June 8.The prize comprises a VIP Package for 12 people (2 of which must be over 18) to the Ireland v. Italy match including 12 reserved seated tickets at the match; pre-match Dinner in Croke Park; hospitality during the match, and transport to and from the match.The enormous interest in the camps, which are now in their third year, comes as no surprise to Packie Bonner, Technical Director of the Football Association of Ireland: 'We"re delighted with the high number already registered for the National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools this year. It"s great to know that kids will spend time outdoors this summer enjoying action-packed days of fun, skills and games under the supervision of FAI-qualified coaches. The camps are already filling up quickly in Westmeath, so anyone interested in participating should sign up now to avoid disappointment, as there"ll be no "walk-up" service on the day.'Participants at the National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools will each receive a specially-designed kit including a jersey, shorts and socks, a football and a backpack. As an added incentive, children can also get their jersey personalised with their own name or that of their footballing hero.Bookings for each camp close seven days before the start of the camp, or at the point at which it is fully booked. Bookings can be made through the National Irish Bank FAI Summer Soccer Schools website www.summersoccerschools.ie or by calling 1890 653 653. Participants can also book by post, using the application form which is available from all host clubs/venues and National Irish Bank branches.