LeisurePlex hosts IFA coaching masterclass

The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, speaking about the event, said: “It was a privilege to welcome guest speakers Jim Magilton, IFA Elite Performance Director and Austin Speight, European Director for Coerver Coaching to the LeisurePlex.

“The football experience of these two gentlemen combined is overwhelming as between them they have worked at clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool and Northern Ireland; and not to mention with players such as David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.

Beneficial

“Those coaches who attended the evening found the information provided during the presentations and question and answer sessions beneficial. The two IFA DENI Coaches Justin Sheppard and Kris Lindsay presented two coaching sessions focusing on fundamentals and technical skills. I believe everyone went away from the night with useful challenges to take back to their respective clubs in Lisburn and further afield.

“I hope that the young boys, girls and adult football players that work with those coaches that attended the masterclass will enjoy the benefit from the new skills learnt from Jim, Austin, Justin and Kris,” she concluded.

Alistair McComb from Hillsborough Boys Football Club was delighted on the night to be presented with the Club’s McDonald’s Club Accreditation certificate by the Mayor and John McCollum, local McDonald’s franchisee owner.

Thank

Mr Ken Duncan, IFA Grassroots Development Officer, added: “The IFA Grassroots department would like to thank Lisburn City Council for providing the LeisurePlex facility without which this masterclass would not have been possible.

“Also a special word of thanks to Jim Magilton, Austin Speight, Justin Sheppard & Kris Lindsay for their presentations plus all IFA Grassroots staff, each club who sent along representatives and players for making the evening a great success.”