Ground breaking scheme gets underway
Ground breaking scheme gets underway
Last week saw the beginning of a new cross-border scheme backed by Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dundalk FC, catering for twenty boys and girls aged between 14 and 16 and entailing a soccer coaching course and life skills programme.
It is hoped that this pilot programme, which runs for the month of June, will lead to a one-year foundation course for students of a similar age in the autumn.
The participants are a cross-cultural selection from counties Armagh, Down and Louth.
The first soccer coaching session was conducted by Tommy Connolly, who was assisted by Dundalk player Shane Reddish, Bryan McCrystal (a former Dundalk player currently with Newry Town) and Terry Conlon.
Students from DKIT’s community Sports Leadership programme are acting as mentors to the participants.
A similar scheme proved successful in south-east London where local Premiership side Charlton Athletic played a key role.
The purpose of the course is to encourage those taking part to remain in education and possibly go on to third level.
Speaking at the launch, Aidan Gaughran, a member of the organising committee, pointed out: “While it is a soccer course, you don’t have to be brilliant footballers to enjoy it. Two of the best known managers in Irish sport, Brian Kerr and [Meath GAA boss] Sean Boylan, were not household names as players. However, they are great examples of people who could get the best out of others.”
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