The highly anticipated FAI Schools Primary 5s programme kicked off last week as Cork, Galway, Leitrim and Mayo were among the early performers in this season’s 5-a-side showcase.

This year’s programme has seen an increase of 205 schools sign up with a rise of 75 per cent participation rate in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Tipperary and Waterford.

The Football for All section has also expended this year with 30 schools entered – a 46 per cent increase on last year.

The Primary 5s is a 5-a-side competition which is open to boys and girls from 4th, 5^th and 6th class, and puts emphasis on fun and inclusivity.

The blitz day format is co-ordinated at local level with the assistance of a network of FAI Development Officers and local primary school teachers. These personnel co-ordinate events at county level with qualifying schools progressing to regional, rrovincial and National Finals. 

The programme will see 2,007 schools engaged in the competition with 41,712 students participating this season with a remarkable 45 per cent of those participants female.

There are six divisions to suit all school sizes with small, medium and large schools all catered for. While the programme encourages boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools. A number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child centred and exciting environment.

Schedule of Events
Regional

Dublin Finals:  April 29 & 30, 2024 Belvedere FC, Dublin
South Leinster Finals: May 1, 2024, Evergreen FC, Kilkenny
North Leinster Finals: May 1, 2024, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
Mid Leinster Finals: May 2, 2024, Killeshin FC, Laois

Provincial

Munster Finals: March 6 (Football for All), May 15 (Girls) & May 16 (Boys) 2024, Cahir Park AFC, Tipperary
Leinster Finals: May 15, 2024, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
Ulster Finals: May 15, 2024, Bailieboro Celtic AFC, Cavan
Connacht Finals: May 15, 2024 (Girls & FFA) & May 16 (Boys) 2024, Solar21 Park, Castlebar, Mayo

National

National Finals: May 29, 2024, Aviva Stadium, Dublin