The INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools camps set a new record of participants since the camps began in 1997.

36,129 children took part in the 2022 Summer Soccer Schools across 445 camps with over 7000 female participants, representing a new record for the programme.

As well as the record number of participants, over 1000 coaches helped deliver the camps across the country for children aged between 6-14 years of age which is designed for children of all ability levels to have fun outdoors in the summer months.

There were 11 Girls Only camps, eight Football for All camps and also, 43 specialised goalkeeper camps, as the Summer Soccer Schools offering continues to develop year on year.

"We're absolutely delighted to achieve a record number of participants in this year's Summer Soccer Schools," said FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott.

"It has been a fantastic summer of participation across the country and delighted to see the number of girls engaging with football continuing to grow year on year.

"I'd like to thank the FAI Camps Team all of our Development Officers and staff for their hard work in managing the camps and helping achieve such high numbers as well as the crucial support of our sponsors INTERSPORT Elverys.

"We've seen a number of the current MNT & WNT players take part in the Summer Soccer School camps at an early age as part of their football journey so hopefully we'll see some of the children from this year's camps featuring for Ireland in the future."

“INTERSPORT Elverys is very proud to be involved in a partnership which facilitates children of all abilities to learn new skills in a fun, safe outdoor environment in almost 400 venues around the country," said Anne-Marie Hanly, Marketing Manager INTERSPORT Elverys.

"This is the third year of our sponsorship and after two challenging years, we are thrilled to see this level of participation and are receiving incredible feedback from parents.

"A special thank you to the coaches and staff who play a key role in facilitating the week-long camps and promoting the sport.”