Ireland defender delivers footballs to Castleknock's Scoil Thomáis

Republic of Ireland Captain Nathan Collins made a special visit to Scoil Thomáis in Castleknock, Dublin today, delivering footballs to pupils as part of the Football Association of Ireland’s nationwide ‘Footballs to Schools’ programme.
 
The Ireland captain took time out after training ahead of Thursday’s huge FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Portugal to meet with students and staff and personally hand over their new equipment.
 
The visit is part of the FAI's impactful 'Footballs to Schools' initiative, a cornerstone of the wider 'Me & My Ball' programme. Over 50,000 footballs are currently being delivered to every primary school across the country, ensuring every school has the tools to inspire a love for the game.
 
This ambitious project is supported by the Community Sport Facilities Fund, with DHL Express Ireland serving as the official logistics partner. It represents a major step forward in the FAI’s Education & Development Strategy by promoting physical activity, wellbeing, and teamwork amongst children in Ireland.
 
With the footballs now arriving at schools, the next phase of the programme will introduce engaging resources for the classroom and playground. This includes a preview of the forthcoming FAI Primary Playbook—a comprehensive digital toolkit featuring 40 easy-to-follow session plans and over 100 story-based games suitable for all skill levels. The campaign will continue throughout the school year with a series of national competitions, and a new online learning platform for teachers is set to launch in 2026.
 
Republic of Ireland Captain, Nathan Collins, said: “I was delighted to visit Scoil Thomáis in Castleknock today after training. This initiative captures the essence of the game – the simplicity of providing a ball to inspire a child and all the possibilities that can bring. I always had a ball at my feet at their age, and I hope this project inspires the same love for the game that I had. It’s also a great tool for teachers to bring fun, active learning into their classrooms and encourage a new generation to get moving with a ball at their feet.”
 
‘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, and social connections through play.
 
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.