Organisers of this year's Sari Soccerfest say they are expecting a massive crowd for the event, which is now entering its 11th year.
Speaking to Metro Eireann, Sari's Frank Buckley said that the range of teams coming along to the seven-a-side football event is getting more diverse every year.
“It started off in 1997 with 20 teams. Now we have 48 teams for this year's men’s tournament and another eight for the women's competition. Sari and the FAI are also putting together a junior tournament for youngsters aged 12-14,” said Buckley.
He continued, “The teams are coming in from all over the world as well as from different organisations and locations around Ireland.”
The event organiser added, “We've a team from Amnesty International, teams from Glasgow and Sheffield, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Wexford, Kildare, Slovakia, Brazil, Poland, Africa, a Pats supporters club team and teams from the various reception centres. We've even got one from the Garda National Immigration Bureau and a team from the Green Party called the 'Jolly Green Giants.”
Buckley pointed to the participation of other footballing organisations as another big plus for this year’s event: “It's great to see other associations start to take a hold of this idea. It's particularity good to see the FAI rowing in behind us.”
The two-day annual Soccer Fest, which kicks of on Saturday 8 September, will take place at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Matches will kick off on Saturday at 10 am and on Sunday at 11 am and will continue throughout both days.
Entertainment will also be provided for spectators, who can attend the event for free, with face-painting, balloon modelling, music, dancers and food all available.
