Burns Soccer School sign for two of NI’s biggest clubs

Portadowns Chris Casement (left) has joined the Burns Soccer School as a coach. The Scarva man will help with the coaching at his own club who, along with Linfield, have recruited the Banbridge business.

22-year-old brothers Aaron and Andrew Burns have been making a name for themselves in the Irish League, playing for Linfield and Dungannon Swifts respectively.

But their football coaching business have just been signed up by the Linfield and Portadown FC youth academies to work with the rising stars at two of the country’s biggest clubs.

Completing their recent hat-trick is the signing of Portadown’s Northern Ireland international defender and Scarva man Chris Casement to join their team of coaches at Burns Soccer School.

“November has been quite a month for us,” Andrew Burns told the Leader.

“Both Portadown and Linfield recognise the benefits of reaching out to younger children and we have plenty of experience coaching different age groups.

“We coach more than 1,000 children each week at schools in a number of districts.”

Dungannon defender Andrew added: “Getting Chris Casement on board is another huge boost.

“He is an IFA-accredited coach and will spearhead our programme at Portadown, working with other Burns Soccer School coaches.”

Casement has been one of the star players as the Ports have moved to the top of the Irish League table. Originally from Belfast, the 26-year-old is now living in Scarva.

Meanwhile, Aaron Burns said he is “delighted” Burns Soccer School is also linking up with the academy at his club, Linfield.

“The gaffer (Blues boss Warren Feeney) is personally involved at all levels of the club and knows that going forward youth development is crucial.

“He appreciates the work we do and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with him.”

Burns Soccer School now has 12 fully qualified coaches, with several based in the Banbridge district.

The Burns brothers are in charge of development at Banbridge Town Juniors, a partnership that is proving a big success with 200 children taking part in the weekly sessions.

“We both started with the Town and it means a lot to us to be able to play a part in bringing through young players now that we are coaches,” said Aaron.

“Just this week we have also started to work with schools in the Fermanagh area and we’ve also been approached to develop links across the border, so it’s an exciting time for us all.”