Dalriada on the ball to promote 3G pitch and IFA coaching project

A mini soccer tournament was held at the school on Thursday (7 June) involving teams from Dalriada Prep, the Model and St Brigid’s PS.

It was originally planned to hold the event on the 3G pitch but organisers were forced indoors due to the wet weather.

The competition was also used to announce the news that the IFA has teamed up with Dalriada School to deliver a new soccer coaching course for adults.

Ian Getty, football co-ordinator at the school, said the pitch provides an excellent arena for all primary schools in the greater Ballymoney area to hone their skills over a number of sports.

He said: “We are delighted with our new 3G pitch and have a number of initiatives to kick into place in the new term. The idea was to soft land the fact that we have a 3G pitch for primary schools in the area.”

The 70m x 40m pitch can be used by primary schools as part of their lessons or after-school activities.

The flood-lit facility will also accommodate the rise in popularity of soccer at Dalriada.

Ten years ago the school only had two teams but now has 10. Dalriada also employs a number of coaches, including Ballymoney United manager Paul Gaston who helped run Thursday’s tournament.

Sport Northern Ireland provided £245,000 in funding towards the development of the training pitch.

Schools and clubs playing soccer, gaelic and rugby can book the facility by calling Dalriada School on 27663066.

Meanwhile, IFA coach Wesley Gregg said he was delighted to form a new partnership with Dalriada which will see him use the school as a coaching centre.

He said: “As IFA Development officer for Ballymena, Ballymoney & Moyle council areas I wanted a base for delivering coach education programmes in the area and through meetings arranged by Ian Getty, who would be football co-ordinator at the school; Tom Skelton, headmaster; and recently Tom Morrison, who originally assisted in the application for the funding for the new 3G facility from Sport NI, we are now in a position to deliver Level 1 coaching football awards in Dalriada.

“Having worked closely with local clubs such as Ballymoney youth academy and observing the quality of work their coaches and co-ordinators deliver, it is important that we support that work, and I feel with the new facility at Dalriada and partnerships created between Dalriada, local council, football clubs and the IFA it would greatly enhance the work that they do in developing the game in the local area.”

The IFA Level One Coaching Award has now replaced the Junior Team Managers (JTM) Award, and qualifies you to coach children and young people (6 – 16) under the supervision of a more qualified football coach. The Junior Team Managers’ / Teachers’ Awards will continue to be valid until 5 years after completion.

To register for this course contact Wes Gregg on 07802327594 or [email protected].

Course details:

Autumn Level 1

Day/Dates:

Sunday 7 October 2012

Sunday 14 October 2012

Sunday 21 October 2012

Spring Level 2

Day/Dates:

Sunday 3 February 2013

Sunday 10 February 2013

Sunday 17 February 2013

Time of Bookings:

9.30am – 5.30pm on all dates

Facilities:

Sports Hall (theory)

Outdoor (3G or grass pitch)

Cost:

£220.00