Linfield coach is guest at workshop

The former manager of Loughgall started the evening with a coaching session with Arthur Downey’s U13 team as the rest of the Juniors coaches watched and observed the session going through various coaching drills.

It was followed with interaction between the coaches and players - including tactical awareness.

The players responded really well to the expert advice and thoroughly enjoyed the 90 minute session which was non stop.

Alfie was impressed with the talent on show and commented on how the all the boys listened intentively and followed his instructions during the drills.

U13s captain Jamie McCandless thanked Alfie for his time and making training so interesting and he cannot wait to put into practice some of the coaching tips offered.

The evening included a Q&A session with all the coaches and managers from the Juniors’ teams and discussed Alfie’s experience with junior teams and how to deal with young players and senior pros alike.

Current Linfield star and former Banbridge Town Juniors player Aaron Burns was present and he expressed his delight at being part of the coaching team with the Juniors.

A club spokesman said: “The Juniors are going from strength from to strength, with emphasis on player development throughout all age groups from 8 -17 years.

“The Club only appoint managers and coaches who can make a difference - guiding and helping young players throughout their development and having Alfie for the evening really helped coaches develop more on their understanding of training and running teams at junior level.”

He added: “We were delighted to have such highly regarded and influential person such as Alfie willing to come along and share his knowledge and experience with our managers, coaches and players and it was a wonderful evening enjoyed by everyone.

“The club is producing DVD on the event and will be available for coaching staff and players. It will also be used for ongoing education within the club.

“The response and feedback from everyone involved was very positive.”