The FAI is calling on schools and children around the country to get involved with UEFA Euro 2020 as sporting history is made in Ireland this year.
Ireland is to co-host a major football finals for the very first time with four Euro 2020 games being played in Dublin city.
Today FAI Deputy Interim CEO Niall Quinn and Republic of Ireland international launched the association's 'No Barriers 2020 project.
The aim of the project is to bring together sport and social action, "harnessing the excitement of the EURO 2020 tournament in primary schools across Ireland".
Quinn gave some further details of the new initiative, which also has the backing of the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, at today's launch.
"Dublin's staging of four UEFA Euro 2020 matches this June will be a seismic moment for football in Ireland," said Quinn.
"‘No Barriers’ introduces students to the 12 UEFA EURO 2020 host cities and tells the story of an inspiring hero from each one.
"This is further evidence of the positive impact that the sport can make on people of all ages, background and gender.
"The programme highlights the achievements of many footballers across Europe who have overcome incredible odds to achieve their goals."
No Barriers 2020 builds up to the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament, encouraging primary schools to use football to inspire social change in their community.
This new project brings the excitement and power of football directly to schools in the Republic of Ireland, focusing on Dublin and London as host cities of the tournament.
The project is supported by the Football Association of Ireland and the Greater London Authority.
The project celebrates football ‘Champions’ from each of the 12 host cities of the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament who have overcome barriers to achieve success on the football pitch.
Their stories inspire students to become active citizens, using sport to promote social action.
The champions - past and present - include players who have challenged racism, a player who led his team to win the championship cup, twice, despite having lost an arm in a car crash, and a Holocaust survivor who went on to be a world-renowned coach.
C.F. Florentia forward Roche has been a vocal advocate for women’s football, campaigning for equal pay and fair media coverage in the sporting world.
In 2014 the public voted for her to be a top 3 finalist for the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year - the highest any female player has been recognised in the competition.
Roche, pictured above with Millie Murray from Scoil Chearbhaill Uí Dhálaigh in Leixlip and Ben Udemba from Coolmine Community School in Dublin, is celebrated as the Ireland Host City Icon in the No Barriers 2020 resource pack.
"I was delighted to be invited to participate in the ‘No Barriers’ campaign and I believe that the powerful stories can inspire the next generation of football fans," said Roche.
"‘No Barriers’ introduces students to the 12 UEFA EURO 2020 host cities and provides a wealth of information which I’m sure all students will enjoy learning about.
"I would encourage all schools to be a part of the initiative, combining sport with social action, and sign up for ‘No Barriers’ today."
This student-led project guides primary school students to get active on the pitch and in their local communities, using the power of football to bring people together to tackle an issue important to them.
Free school resources are available, including inspiring football Champion Cards, lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoints and a Host City Map.
Contact: NoBarriers@big-ideas.org for more information or sign up at www.fai.ie/nobarriers
