The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has officially launched its impactful Footballs to Schools initiative — a nationwide project delivering footballs to every primary school in the Republic of Ireland, as a part of the FAI’s wider Me & My Ball programme.

The initiative was formally launched today at the Aviva Stadium by Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport Patrick O'Donovan, and Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue. More than 50,000 footballs are currently being delivered to every school across the country, ensuring every school has access to the joy of football.  

Supported through the Community Sport Facilities Fund, with DHL Express Ireland as the official logistics partner, the project represents a major step forward in the FAI’s Education & Development Strategy, promoting physical activity, wellbeing, and teamwork amongst children in Ireland. 

With footballs now with schools nationwide, the next phase of the programme introduces engaging classroom and playground resources, including introductory coaching exercises and a preview of the forthcoming FAI Primary Playbook — a comprehensive digital toolkit featuring 40 easy-to-follow session plans and more than 100 story-based games and activities suitable for all skill levels. The campaign will continue throughout the school year with a series of national competitions in coming months, and an online learning platform for teachers set to launch in 2026. 

Patrick O'Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, said: “This initiative is a fantastic example of how sport can reach every corner of our communities. By ensuring every primary school has footballs and resources, the FAI is helping more children get active, stay healthy, and experience the lifelong benefits of sport.” 

Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, commented: “Sport and play are central to children’s development, especially in our rural and local communities. This project highlights the positive impact of collaboration — between government, sporting bodies, and partners — in making football accessible to every child across Ireland.” 

FAI Head of Education Niall O’Regan described the initiative as a “game-changer for grassroots football,” saying “Our goal is simple — to give every primary school child the chance to play, learn, and grow through football. By removing barriers and getting footballs into every school, we’re helping teachers bring fun, active learning into their classrooms and inspiring a new generation to get moving. None of this would be possible without the support of the Community Sport Facilities Fund and our partners at DHL, who made this nationwide rollout a reality.” 

Brian Murray, Commercial & Same Day Director at DHL Express Ireland, said: “At DHL, we’re passionate about connecting people and improving lives — and this partnership with the FAI’s ‘Me and My Ball’ programme is a perfect example of that in action. As the official logistics partner, we’re proud to play our part in bringing over 50,000 footballs to primary schools nationwide, helping ensure every child has the chance to get involved, get active, and experience the joy of football”. 

Me & My Ball is an innovative programme designed to give every child the best possible introduction to football — at school, at home, and in their community. It focuses on helping children develop confidence, creativity, competence, and social connections through play. The programme’s initiatives include providing every child the opportunity to have their own ball, using football as a vehicle for classroom learning, encouraging parents and guardians to play with their children at home and supporting volunteers and coaches to create joyful, age-appropriate football environments. 

Schools across Ireland are encouraged to share photos and videos of their students enjoying their new footballs on social media, tagging the FAI to celebrate the nationwide impact of the initiative.