LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The aim of the programme is to support the development of club coaches within the McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Development Centres. IFA staff coaches come along on training nights and work alongside the coaches bringing new ideas and drills. Two coaches also receive a 50% bursary for an IFA Level 1 Coaching Award.

The Club mentoring part of the programme enables clubs to work towards becoming IFA Accredited Clubs. These clubs have all policies and procedures in place to ensure safety and respect for all players, parents and coaches at the club. The club also receives free balls, bibs and cones.

The Irish FA Grassroots Development Officers deliver this nationwide programme.

The Youth Football set-up in Dromore coaches kids from all over the Banbridge district and further afield. Having formed in 2005/6 the Club has continued to grow from strength to strength and now cater for an impressive 200 plus kids from ages 5 to 17. The club currently has two teams in the IFA’s McDonalds Mid Ulster Games Development Centre.

The programme was delivered by Keith Gibson who is the IFA’s development officer for Craigavon, Armagh and Banbridge.

Keith commented “It was a pleasure to be involved with Dromore Amateurs. In the administration side it was great to be able to see the massive amount of work that Club chairman, Gavin Beck, and club secretary. Susan McMurtry put in. They are always looking to improve the club and players.

“I would also like to thank coaches Paul Magill and Stephen Burden. Working with them and their squad of players was a fun experience with everyone keen to learn off each other.”

If you require any more information on the Grassroots programme in Banbridge, Craigavon and Armagh please contact Keith Gibson at [email protected] or on 07809657879