Local coach gets a taste of European football

After completing his IFA Youth Licence, Portrush man Roger Dallas, who looks afgter the Academy Under 12’s, took up the offer of a study trip, accompanied by ten other coaches from across the Province.

The week long visit afforded Roger the opportunity to experience coaching at a variety of age groups from Soccer Schools for six year olds through to training sessions for Portuguese professional teams.

As well as the training sessions, matches were attended including two games in the second tier of the Portugese League - Farense v FC Porto B and Olhanense v Unairo Madeira.

During the trip, the local coach also visited soccer schools run by Benfica FC and FC Porto.

Speaking to Times Sport this week, Roger, who is also a coach at Carnalrdige Primary School, said that the trip was a good opportunity for him to observe different training methods and systems of play.

“The experience of seeing differing styles of coaching and systems of play and even being with coaches from other parts of Northern Ireland is a learning curve.

“The other coaches taking part in the trip, from Limavady, Crusasders, Lurgan and Glenavon were also able to share ideas - drills and games that worked and others that didn’t, and I have no doubt that this can only enhance the education of our players at Coleraine Academy,” said Roger.