Fiveaside tournament for console at ait

Local five-a-side soccer teams are being asked to take the first steps on the road to World Championship glory at Athlone Institute of Technology in aid of national suicide and bereavement charity Console.
The regional tournament on Saturday, February 14, is the first step in qualifying for the World Football Fives (F5WC), an international amateur football tournament involving 48 participating countries to be held in Dubai in April.
The top team from the Athlone tournament will win a place in the national qualifying round, with branded football kit, to face off against teams from around the country.
Funds raised from the event will go towards Console’s new outreach service in Athlone providing suicide crisis and bereavement support services to the midlands community.
The total cost per team in €298, with €98 covering the cost of entry. The remaining €200 will go directly to Console to fund its operation in Athlone.
Teams are encouraged to raise as much money as possible and there will be a prize on the day for the team that manages to raise the most funds.
“Not only will participants raise vital funds for Console, but they will also help raise awareness among people in distress that there is hope and help available,” said Console CEO Paul Kelly.
“Funds raised from the tournament will go directly to our outreach service in Athlone and will enable us to continue to provide our essential services to people in the midlands region.
“It is important to stress that help is always just a phone call away on our 24-hour helpline 1800 247 247.”
Registration for the tournament is online at Inter7s.com or by calling 01 9060008 or 087 2232498.
Players will each receive a sponsorship card to raise funds, and can easily create a personal web page on MyCharity.ie to share with friends and family and on social media so that online donations can be made in support of their event.
If you need support, advice, or tips for your fundraising event, please contact Gerard Tiernan 083 1265374 who will be more than happy to assist you.
Console can be contacted in Athlone on our national freephone  helpline on 1800 247 247 or by phoning the Console head office on 01 6102638.