Irish Soccer Stars Launch Eat Right Play Right Initiative

Irish soccer stars Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy were on hand this week in Dublin headquarters to officially launch an innovative new element of the Finn Harps Schools Programme. The "Eat Right Play Right" initiative designed for senior pupils in primary schools introduces participants to the fundamentals of sports nutrition and highlights the importance of fuelling their bodies adequately for their respective sport or physical activity. It also emphasises the very important role of good nutrition in not only supporting their participation but also in maintaining overall good health as they grow and develop.

A joint initiative between Finn Harps Schools Programme, Donegal Sports Partnership with the support of the HSE - Get Ireland Active Initiative the programme designed by Thérèse Laverty of ProFormance Sports Nutrition is in its first phase has been positively received by the young participants, teachers and parents.

Thérèse who has worked with both Finn Harps and Donegal GAA senior panels spoke after the event "Initial feedback from the pilot phase has been very positive from participants and schools involved. The initiative was designed to deliver relevant actionable messages to the children that can be reinforced both in the school and home environment. The logo also encompasses the key health promotion messages encouraging the 60 minutes per day of physical activity and 5 a day nutrition recommendations. The pilot project will be now be reviewed and improved prior to delivery of the next phase".

John Delaney CEO of the FAI feels the programme is a very positive step in the challenge to promote .the benefits of healthy eating to schoolchildren.
'I would like to commend Finn Harps Schools, Donegal Sports Partnership, Proformance Sports Nutrition and the HSE on this fantastic initiative. Obesity, as we know has become a major public health problem throughout Ireland, and this programme is leading the way in taking the right steps towards combating it. The FAI encourages kids to be active from a very young age, and the Eat Right Play Right programme compliments our core principles greatly. If kids start this programme at a young age, their chances of becoming the next Donegal star like Seamus Coleman playing for Ireland are greatly increased! I wish everyone involved the very best of luck with the programme in the hope that it progresses and expands nationwide.'

Representing the HSE at the event was Dr Nazih Eldin, HSE National lead on Obesity and Head of the Health Promotion Department, Dublin North East, Dr Eldin spoke very positively and pledged his support for the project,

"Congratulations to Donegal Sports Partnership and Finn Harps Football Club on ensuring that all people participate in the game and have the correct knowledge and information, helping themselves to have proper nutrition and the right level of fitness and nutrition. I wish everyone involved the best of luck and the HSE is delighted to be associated with this programme".

Myles Sweeney Coordinator of Donegal Sports Partnership who are one of the key partners in the programme stressed the importance of practical solutions to promoting good nutrition with our young people.
He stated 'It is important that we use every opportunity to promote a positive message around nutrition and exercise and to explain in practical terms the relationship between both, this can be achieved through within school or community/sports setting' He thanked all the partners on the programme for their commitment and look forward to further gains on the programme.

John Campbell Director of Finn Harps Schools programme said "The Eat Right Play Right programme is the first project of its kind and we are delighted to be working alongside our partners to deliver positive and practical healthy lifestyle messages to children in Donegal.
Our programmes are designed to complement the outstanding work done by primary school teachers and we are all looking forward to making sure the project has tangible and long term benefits for participating schools.

We would also like to add a big Thank You to both Seamie Coleman and James McCarthy for making themselves available on such an important week, and we wish them and the squad all the best in the season ahead.