Buntús programmes are exciting programmes developed to support teachers and childcare practitioners in introducing young people to sport and physical activity. The programmes are rolled out through The Sport Ireland network of Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland recognises the major role that sport can play in the lives of young people. It is important that an enjoyable multi-sport and non-competitive model is used to introduce our children to sport that will complement and enhance both our school and community sport programmes.

All Buntús Programmes offer

• Two large bags of sports equipment - for younger and older children
• Resource cards that offer a range of skill developmental and fun activities.
• Training to assist teachers (Buntús Play, Sport & Sports Specific) and childcare practitioners (Buntús Start) implement the programme.

The three key components of the programme are designed to provide easy to understand, and accessible support to give children a fun, but high quality, introduction to sport and physical activity.

Buntús Start

Buntús Start is a comprehensive child centred physical activity programme for children aged 2-5 years old rolled out locally in partnership with County Childcare Committees and/or the HSE.
It has been designed for use in pre-school settings to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for young children to develop their fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills, co-ordination and balancing skills and develop a positive attitude to physical activity.
Buntús Start offers a combination of adult-initiated and child-led activities.

Buntús Play and Sport - Primary Schools

Buntús Play and Sport complement the games strand of the Physical Education curriculum in Primary Schools and is offered to all primary schools and special needs schools through the Local Sports Partnership network.
Buntús Play and Sport are designed to give children a fun, but high quality, introduction to sport and physical activity. The programmes help develop fundamental skills such as sending, receiving and travelling with a ball, to engage in game like situations which include running, dodging, chasing, exploiting space. Simple games are played first as individuals then in pairs and small groups.

Buntús Sport Specific

Sport Ireland has linked with the FAI, IRFU, Badminton Ireland, Junior Golf Ireland and Basketball Ireland to deliver the Buntús Sports Specific Programmes to Primary and Special Needs Schools in the Local Sports Partnership areas.
The training is provided by the Regional Development Officers from the National Governing Bodies and specially trained Buntús tutors.

Contact the sports partnership directly for information on bookings.