There has been no shortage of excitement at East Meath United since the INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools began, but a special visit this week is all anyone can talk about now.
Four players from the SSE Airtricity Women's National League turned up at Minnistown Road to get involved with the girls-only camp that has been a big hit with the County Meath club.
Bohemians duo Ann-Marie Byrne & Courtney Maguire and Shelbourne pair Jess Ziu & Taylor White made an appearance to provide some tips, showcase some skills and inspire the girls involved in the camp.
📸 #WNL stars surprise girls @EastMeathUnited
Players from @bfcdublin & @shelsfc visited the @Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools girls-only camp 👍
Find out more 👉 https://t.co/rJ02TJHOYV#GrassrootsFootball | #SummerCamps pic.twitter.com/hCoWO5LBoU— FAI Grassroots (@FAIGrassroots) August 18, 2021
FAI Football Development Officer Richie Smith said: "It was brilliant to have four players who are currently involved at the top level of women's football in this country come down to the girls-only camp and give the girls a huge boost.
"For the girls to see these players and be able to interact with them was brilliant. Even though she is currently injured, Jess Ziu, who is a current Republic of Ireland international, took the time to get involved and that sort of experience is priceless for these girls.
"East Meath United have been doing great work to develop girls football and it was why we hosted a girls-only camp at the club to keep encouraging that. The INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools are the best way for girls to get involved in the game by having fun, learning new skills and meeting new friends. That is what this week has been all about."
Republic of Ireland Women's International & Shelbourne midfielder Ziu said: "It was great to be invited down to East Meath United and help in a small way to inspire young girls to enjoy football.
⚽ GOAL | @jessziu77
Shels start the second half strong as Jess Ziu scores her first goal of the season.@TreatyUnitedFC 0-3 @shelsfc #WNL | #LOITV pic.twitter.com/DTUo62dMRI— Women's National League (@LoiWomen) May 9, 2021
"Being down at the camp reminded me of fantastic memories of playing football all day long during the summer and just having fun with friends. This is what makes the INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Schools so special - just enjoying football."
The four players took time out from their FAI-ETB course in Ringsend to attend the camp and their involvement will help inspire the girls at East Meath United to dream big.
Bookings remain open for the final week of camps
CLICK HERE to check for places at your local club
