FOOTBALL:Academy marks another successful season

A guest list which included the Mayor of Coleraine our very own Maurice Bradley, sponsors including Bruce and Graham of McDonald’s Coleraine, IFA development officers, Friends of Coleraine committee members, first team players and the senior management committee looked on as Coleraine FC Academy held its fourth annual presentation awards at the Coleraine FC social club.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2012, 09:37 BST

Those attending also heard from the Chairman of the senior club Colin McKendry along with Academy Chairman Andy Alcorn.   

The nineteen teams aged between eight and sixteen, who along with a thriving soccer school make up the youth section of Coleraine Football Club, listened as keynote speakers and coaches told the large crowd how the teams had performed over the past season.

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They heard of the individual awards for merit, goal scoring and players of the year as well as the various achievements and trophies that the teams had collected over the season. The Academy had far exceeded the targets set out in their development plan.

Praise was passed to the numerous volunteers from all walks of life who dedicate their spare time to the coaching, development and running of the academy. Thanks to Coleraine Academy Forum for their help during the helping the smooth running of numerous events. The website www.colerainefcacademy.com remains the main point of contact for the club for keeping up to date with what we do as a club.

Recently we have joined Facebook and can be found at Coleraine F.C. Academy. Thanks were also passed to the various sponsors who have supported the academy this season and to the players, parents and guardians whose contribution is vital.

The Coleraine FC Academy committee would personally like to thank the senior club for all the support that they have given and would like to wish their Foyle Cup squads every success in this year’s competition.

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They would also like to invite all interested parties, whether they are players, coaches or volunteers to come join in the experience that is the Coleraine FC Academy. Details of the coming season will follow in local press or contact can be made through the academy website.

Meanwhile, Saturday marked the beginning of what will hopefully become a budding and successful footballing relationship when, Coleraine FC Academy played host to Ballymoney United’s youth Academy at the University of ulster Coleraine. The mini football festival provided a platform for the young Bannsiders to experience competition outside of a training environment, as for the majority, this was their first time playing against different opposition and for some their first ever football match.

Overall 14 teams from 2005/6’s and 2004’s competed in games varying from 4v4, 5v5 and 7v7, allowing players to experience a number of different playing formats. After all games where finished players, parents and coaches where invited back into the pavilion for some light refreshments and an opportunity for a general football chit chat! The coaches of the 2005/6’s would like to thank their parent group for providing sandwiches, buns and biscuits as well as offering encouragement and support to all players.

In addition, we would like to extend our gratitude to Pearl, Marie and Jane for all their help on the day. All in all it was a great advert for local football and Coleraine FC with around 80- 100 kids playing footie and more importantly having fun. Massive thanks must go to Simon Smyth and Ballymoney for playing in the right spirit.

Reminder there will be NO Soccer School at the University due to the NW200. Normal sessions return May 26th for the final two weeks.

Related topics:MayorColeraineMaurice BradleyMcDonald's