Shamrock Rovers took part in Active South Dublin’s Afcon Schools Blitz last Wednesday at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The event brings together schools from Saggart, Rathcoole, Citywest and West Tallaght for a 24-team football tournament based on the African Cup of Nations. Up to 24 schools compete in January, with each school getting an African country to represent.

Schools research their allocated country and learn about the language, culture, traditional food, famous footballers and people, plus key facts and highlights. Students make flags to wave during the matches. The tournament helps kids learn about other cultures and connect with classmates from different backgrounds. Learning about African nations gives students perspective on the diverse communities around them.

Our TY students refereed and managed the games on the day. We brought the League and Cup trophies for display and handed out club merchandise to the kids, and a fantastic day was had.