Rathcoole junior football teams secure new kits

The Rathcoole FC U16 team was formed in the summer of 2019.

William (Bill) McClure approached the club asking to start a younger youth team so the ‘Wee Team’, as they are known within the club began.

Unfortunately, Bill took seriously ill and passed away in February of this year which rocked the team and the club to its core.

The boys decided that they wanted to continue the team in Bill’s memory and Mark McConnell, one of the coaches stepped up and took over as Manager.

A club spokesperson said: “The team have now brought in another very experienced coach, James Marks, who will help the boys reach their full potential and hopefully move them up to the First Division this season.

“Bill had often told us that the company he worked for Atlas World were going to sponsor a kit for his ‘Wee Team.’

“Atlas World have been amazing and said it would be a fitting tribute to Bill and without hesitation paid for a new team kit. The kit was designed with the Atlas World logo on the front and ‘In memory of Bill McClure’ on the sleeve.

“For the help and support received from Atlas World, we at Rathcoole FC and especially the ‘Wee Team’ will be forever grateful.

“The boys have vowed to do Bill proud and his ID badge is hung in the Dugout at every match in his memory.”

Meanwhile. Macedon DUP representatives have helped to secure funding for Rathcoole U15 Football team.

Cllr Linda Irwin and Paula Bradley MLA secured funding from APEX Housing to fund Rathcoole Football Club’s new U15 kit.

The DUP representatives attended the presentation of the kit from APEX Housing to the football club.

Cllr Irwin and Ms Bradley said: ”Having been approached by Rathcoole Football Club to help fund a new kit for their U15 Football Team, we were delighted to help.

“Thanks to the generosity of APEX Housing, who are currently developing new homes close to the team’s pitches, the team now have brand new kits for the season ahead.

“We would like to thank Ray Forbes and all the staff at APEX for their kindness to our local club.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Rathcoole Football Club to deliver further support for our young people and with APEX to develop further housing in the Rathcoole area.”

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