Ryan returns from Malta trip

BANBRIDGE teenager Ryan Gregg has returned from an exciting coaching trip in Malta.

The 17 year old, who attends the Newry campus of the Southern Regional College studying Sports, was selected to go with others from Portadown, Newry and Armagh campus to head out on a two-week training, coaching and football course.

It was funded by the European Commission Education and Training scheme under the Leonardo Da Vinci programme, which funds practical projects in the field of vocational education and training. Initiatives range from those giving individuals work-related training abroad to large-scale co-operation efforts.

Sixteen footballers and sixteen Gaelic players were in the group.

He said, “It was really good fun, I really enjoyed it. You had to train flat out during our time out there but we did a lot of coaching there too and that was good craic.

“I’d love to go back out and do something like that because you definitely benefit from that sort of thing.”

Ryan also received the Player of the Tour award which was judged on his performance and attitude both on and off the pitch.

He has attained his IFA Level One Coaching badge and assists at Evo’s Soccer School in teaching young primary school children football, going around a number of schools in the Banbridge and Dromore district.

There was more good news for the local lad on Tuesday past when he agreed to re-join Colin Malone’s team at Banbridge Town after spending the latter part of last season on loan at Banbridge Rangers.

He was one of the youngest players for the Town at 16, having turned 17 last November and has played for the club since he was 10 years of age, having came up through the junior sides. He then had a season with Lisburn Distillery U17s and Lisburn Youth before joining up with the Town again last season.

“I’m really glad to be back at the Town,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to get a few games and progress this season and I’m really looking forward to getting pre-season under my belt.”