Partner

 

 

UEFA

Chartered

Larne Grassroots Football Development

Nurturing the game for a better future

Grassroots News

IFA Halloween Soccer School

(October 2008)

 

Over twenty local budding footballers take to the cold but sunny pitches of Sandy Bay for the Irish Football Association Halloween Fundays.  The boys and girls aged between 6 and 14 were provided with opportunities to develop their football skills through fun and informal coaching.  Over the three days the children took part in skills training, mini soccer matches and daily challenges.

 

The sessions were provided by local Grassroots coaches Jim Hagan and Gary Haveron who were supported by IFA Primary School coaches Glenn Taggart and Damien Magill.

 

Speaking about the Fundays Grassroots Development Officer Jonathan Michael said, “We have had a great couple of days here at Sandy Bay.  The coaches have been really impressed with the attitude and ability of all the children who have taken part.  The weather has been cold but kind and it has been clear to see that all the participants have really enjoyed each session.”

 

Jonathan added, “A big thank you must go to all the coaches for their enthusiasm over the three days and special thanks to Larne Borough Council for their continued support of the IFA Grassroots Development Programme.”

Larne Coaches Complete Award

(November 2008)

 

14 new coaches recently completed their Level One Coaching Award and took their first steps on the IFA’s coaching ladder.  The course was led by Larne’s Grassroots Development Officer Jonathan Michael and took place at Larne Youth and Sandy Bay Playing Fields.

 

Coaches from Larne Youth, Carnlough United, Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United attended over the three Sundays to learn more about coaching small sided and conditioned games.  The coaches also gained knowledge in coaching etiquette, basic nutrition and conditioning for footballers, child protection, first aid and referee awareness.

 

Jonathan Michael, Larne’s Grassroots Development Officer said, “We have had an enjoyable three Sundays and I believe each course participant has come away with more knowledge and a further developed coaching ability.  I must say a massive thank you to Larne Youth and Larne Borough Council for the use of their facilities without which this course would not have been possible.”

 

Jonathan added, “Many thanks also to the various tutors who came to deliver the specific elements of the course – the IFA’s Jim Grattan (Child Protection), Frances Sanderson from the British Red Cross (First Aid) and referee tutor Alan Hayes.  Also, thank you to Larne man and South Derry Grassroots Development Officer, Niall Curneen for this support during the practical sessions.  I wish all the course participants the best with their future coaching and trust they are now better equipped to develop and assist their players.”

McDonald’s Regional Festival

(October 2008)

 

Over 170 Primary School pupils from Larne Borough attended the McDonald’s Regional Festival at Sandy Bay Playing Fields.  The festival was hosted by the IFA, the Larne Grassroots Development Centre and McDonald’s as part of their community football programme.

 

The children were offered opportunities to further develop their passing, dribbling and shooting skills as well as taking part in a penalty shoot out, speed, agility and quickness training and mini soccer matches.

 

Speaking about the festival Larne’s Grassroots Development Officer Jonathan Michael commented, “We have had great weather today which has added to a great day’s fun and enjoyment.  I would like to thank all the coaches and the pupils from Northern Regional College in Newtownabbey for their involvement today and for making it such a success.”

 

Larne Borough Council’s Chief Executive Geraldine McGahey and Director of Development Linda McCullough were in attendance as special guests to watch the activities and present certificates to the children from the seven participating primary schools.  The Director of Development commented, “It is wonderful to see so many children here today enjoying each session and learning new skills.  Credit must go to organization of the day and the quality of all the coaches involved. 

 

The Chief Executive added, “This festival and others like it throughout the year gives children the opportunity to learn and practice their football skills in a fun and pressure free environment.  Larne Borough Council is very pleased to work in partnership with the Irish Football Association’s Grassroots Development Programme and we wish Jonathan all the best for what we know will be another successful school year.”

McDonald’s Regional Festival

(May 2009)

 

In May over 170 Primary School pupils from Larne Borough attended the McDonald’s Regional Festival at Sandy Bay Playing Fields.  The festival was hosted by the IFA, the Larne Grassroots Development Centre and McDonald’s as part of their community football programme.

 

The children were offered opportunities to further develop their passing, dribbling and shooting skills as well as taking part in penalty and target shoot out challenges, speed, agility and quickness training and mini soccer matches.

 

Speaking about the festival Larne’s GDO Jonathan Michael commented, “We have had great weather today which has added to a great day’s fun and enjoyment.  It is great to see so many children here today enjoying each session and credit must go to the quality of all the coaches involved.  This festival gives children the opportunity to learn and practice their football skills in a fun and pressure free environment.  I would like to thank all the coaches and the pupils from Northern Regional College in Newtownabbey for their involvement today and for making it such a success.”

 

 

Female Football Fun

(May 2009)

 

In May the Larne Grassroots Development Programme hosted a post primary Girls Football Festival.  The event which took place at Sandy Bay Playing Fields welcomed three year groups from Larne High School, St Comgalls High School and Larne Grammar School.

 

The girls were offered opportunities to develop their passing, dribbling and shooting skills as well as taking part in speed, agility and quickness training and playing mini soccer matches.  Present on the day to provide expertise were Larne Grassroots Development coaches Jim Hagan, Gary Haveron along with Larne Borough Council Community Sports Development Officer Niall Curneen and special guest, Northern Ireland Women’s International manager Alfie Wylie.

 

Speaking about the festival Larne’s Grassroots Development Officer Jonathan Michael commented, “It is great to see so many girls here today enjoying the coaching sessions and matches.    I am so pleased that all three schools in Larne could be involved in the day.  For many girls this festival may be their first introduction to football and they have learnt about the participation opportunities that are on offer in Larne if they wish to take their interest further.”

 

Speaking about the day Alfie Wylie said, “Women’s football is the fastest growing sport in the world and as a nation we are improving every year.  Events like this are a positive step in development of the women’s game at a local level.  I wish the Grassroots Development Programme every success in Larne, who knows we may possibly have a few more internationals from Larne in the future.”

Larne Primary School Sevens

(May 2009)

 

During April and May nine local primary school teams took part in the Larne Primary School’s Football Association seven-a-side competition at Sandy Bay Playing Fields.  The competition fixtures were played over two dates in April and May.  The many parents and teachers gathered were entertained by some wonderful football talent from across Larne Borough.  St MacNissi’s Primary were crowned Champions closely followed by Corran Integrated Primary and Linn Primary who shared second place.

 

Speaking about the tournament Grassroots Development Officer Jonathan Michael said, “It is great to see so many children being active and enjoying participating in the beautiful game.  This event shows how much football talent exists in our local schools and I have been impressed by the way each team has conducted themselves.  I trust that all the teams have enjoyed the competition and I look forward to working with the schools once again in September.”

 

Jonathan added, “I would like to thank the pupils from Northern Regional College Newtownabbey for their help in running this event.  Without the referees, time keepers, score keepers, team leaders and coaches this event would not have been possible.”

Larne Five-a-Side’s

(January 2009)

 

In January ten local primary school teams took part in the Larne Primary Schools five-a-side Cup at Larne Leisure Centre.  The many parents and teachers gathered were entertained by individual skill, team work, strong competition and fair play.  Victors on the day were St MacNissi’s Primary who are no strangers to winning the competition.

 

Speaking about the tournament local Grassroots Development Officer Jonathan Michael said, “I was really impressed with the football talent that I saw today and I thought all the matches were played with a great spirit.  Congratulations to all the teams that took part and their teachers who work hard all year round.  I would like to thank Mr. Andrew Ritchie from Linn Primary School for organizing this event and for his help refereeing the matches.”

 

Representing Larne Borough Council at the event were Alderman Roy Beggs and Councilor Andrew Wilson.  Councilor Wilson commented, “It has been great to see the enthusiasm of the kids and their teachers at this competition.  Congratulations must go to the winners St MacNissi’s, but really at this level it is all about taking part and having fun.  This grassroots venture is one of the benefits of the partnership between the Irish Football Association and Larne Borough Council which is going from strength to strength."

Larne Futsal Cup

(March 2009)

 

Last month Larne Grassroots Development Programme in partnership with Larne High School hosted the Larne Primary Schools Futsal Competition.  The tournament, which was first established last year, included nine Primary School teams from across the borough with children from primary’s four and five.

 

The tournament highlighted the love of football in Larne and the talent that exists with its youngsters.  After hearing football greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho grew up playing Futsal and that the game made a significant contribution to their skills and development the Larne kids were hooked.  But what is this game called Futsal?

 

The name Futsal is derived from the Portuguese and Spanish word for indoor football.  The game uses a reduced bounce ball and larger goals than typically used in the five-a-side game.  Futsal is a high paced game which encourages short passes, dribbling, improvisation and controlling the ball in small spaces.

 

Speaking about the event Larne’s Grassroots Development Officer Jonathan Michael said, “This tournament is another step in promoting technique and skill development in our young Larne players.  Congratulations to our tournament winners Seaview Primary School from Glenarm who entertained us all with their attacking play.  Thanks must go to the pupils of Larne High School who assisted on the day with refereeing and score keeping, their help made the day a success and a massive thank you to Mrs. Knox for all her assistance in organizing the event.”

 

Larne High Schools Head of Girls Physical Education, Ashley Knox added, “I know all the children have enjoyed representing their primary schools today and thanks to the Irish Football Association kind donation and Futsals for each team I am sure this form of the game will become popular across the borough.  Larne High School is so pleased to work with the Irish Football Association on this project and offer opportunities for young children to enjoy physical activity and develop their football ability.”