Coleraine F.C. Academy School of Soccer

 Some of the Academy players pictured with CFC Chief Executive John Mairs and Academy Director of Coaching, Stephen Quinn at Coleraine Showgrounds after the penalty shoot-out competition.

Thanks to all who helped run the event and Davy O'Hare the senior team goalie who did his best to keep your shots out.

 (images courtesy of Darren Kirgan)

Coleraine Showgrounds was the venue for the 'end of season' Academy meeting. Items up for discussion, the clubs community involvement, Foyle Cup, next years teams and where they will be playing, the move to The Crescent for ALL home youth games, the awards night, summer tournaments and the soccer school. Other matters were discussedon how to improve your club. Exciting times ahead for you the Academy players, and the biggest ongoing project the Academy Clubrooms - pictured below.

Jay Hamilton playing for N Ireland U15's - well done to Jay

Under 11s at Coleraine Showgrounds. (Picture courtesy of Derek Simpson Photographer)

Why not visit hs websites - here or here

James & Pearl Dooley pictured who attended Coleraine Sports Council Awards Night at The Lodge Hotel on Friday 14th November. James received an award on behalf on their son Stephen 'Most Promising Sports Person 2008'. Stephen has played football locally just like you from the soccer school, thought to Ballymoney Friendship League and then with each squad until now a first team player at Coleraine FC. A huge well done to Stephen and his Mum and Dad. This is what local football is about to all local youth players, Stephen, a modest kid with terrific home support.

Please sign Jane's Jacket so we can stick it on Ebay and then we'll retire...

Football legend Harry Gregg new league’s President. THE launch of the MIM North-West and Coleraine District Youth League  took place on Wednesday evening at the Riverside Stadium, Drumahoe,  where guest of honour, Dr. Harry Gregg, MBE, accepted the role of  president of the new league. It was a well attended evening for the organisers, as League Chairman Andy Alcorn outlined a brief history of the league, its immediate aims and its goals for the future. Complementing the drive, enthusiasm and commitment of Stephen Quinn, James Dooley and Colin O'Kane to get the league to this stage he also paid tribute to the hard work done by the committee to ensure the league up and running as smoothly as it did. However, it was a major boost to the League when MIM, Mechanical Installation and Maintenance, based locally at Maydown Industrial Estate, recognised the significance of what is in effect an all county  league, by throwing their considerable financial commitment into the league in its inaugural year. “We as a league are indebted to MIM and I thank them sincerely for their backing. “We are covering teams from all age groups up to Under-17 and while it is a league in its infancy, we take heart from the humble beginnings of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup and the Foyle Cup that started small, like this new league, but have grown in stature to be the magnificent competitions that they are. “We can only get stronger and better with the help of the clubs involved and the teams and coaches taking part not only on Saturday’s, but through the week as well, during training sessions and club meetings”, he said. MIM Directors Martin Tierney and John Deery are no strangers to football as John was a regular in goal for Oxford United in his youth and Martin also played for the Maiden City Club. Also speaking at the launch, Maurice Bradley said he was pleased to donate a Cup in memory of the late Sammy Walker. “I knew Sammy Walker very well through work. He was a magnificent champion and supporter of Youth Football. “A director of Coleraine Football Club, Vice-President and President of the Irish Football Association and Northern Ireland International team selector, Sammy had a passion and belief in youth football and youth footballer development. “One day Sammy arrived at the Chronicle Office in Coleraine, where he was a regular columnist through his “Oldtimer” page dealing with history, sporting and otherwise of the Coleraine area. “He brought two Cups with him which he asked me to try and clean-up. One was the Sammy Walker Cup, used for youth football, in the days of  Hunter, McCurdy, Dickson and Murray, plus many, many more. It was Sammy’s wish that if there were ever a possibility of a good youth league being set up, the Cups could be used for that purpose. “There never has been such a league worthy of the Sammy Walker Cup until now, and it is a pleasure to see the Sammy Walker Cup back where it belongs, in youth football”, he concluded.  It was then down to the Chairman, Andy Alcorn to introduce Dr. Harry Gregg, MBE, and invite the Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend to accept the Presidency of the North-West and Coleraine District League. Responding Dr. Gregg said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be President of this new league. “I wish all who take part, all the dedicated organisers, coaches and team managers, many of the joys I have received from the game, and the successes that come along with taking part. “It is an honour and I am delighted to accept,” he said. Following the official opening, food and refreshments were laid on by the Ladies Committee of Institute Football Club followed by a specially arranged league fixture as Institute and Coleraine Under-17’s met under floodlights. The MIM North-West and Coleraine District Youth League extend their grateful thanks to Institute Football Club for their hospitality in hosting the launch. Also present for the launch were Directors and members of both  Coleraine and Institute FC, Draperstown Celtic, Oxford, Peacocks, East End, Moyola, Magherafelt Sky Blues, Gerry McKee of the Northern Ireland Boys FA, Tony Young of the North-West Referees Association.

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