TOWN ACADEMY FLOURISHING

Transcription

1 TOWN ACADEMY FLOURISHING Lurgan Town Academy was set up in 2007 under the guidance of UEFA B license coach Robert Davidson. Numbers quickly grew from around 30 boys to 100 children back in the days of the old gravel pitches. With the growth of grassroots football in the Mid Ulster area over the past few years Lurgan Town has also continued to grow both on and off the pitch. With the excellent training facilities at the Arena the Academy continues to expand with current numbers of approximately 140 on the roll. The players train on a Friday night from 7pm to 8.30pm with everyone welcome regardless of ability. (Boys born in 2005 to 2009). When asked about the coaches at Lurgan Town, Robert has said: I cannot speak highly enough of all the volunteers at the Academy without whom it would not be possible because with this high turn out of children you need at least 12 coaches per night to function in a safe environment. Article continues on page 3. Copyright Lurgan Town FC 2014

2 LURGAN TOWN IN BRAZIL Ever wondered what happens to our kits when we get new ones? Well wonder no more. We recently received an from Lucimar Souza (a Missionary in Brazil) via our link in Northern Ireland - Roy Anderson. In her , Lucimar, speaks of her delight with the Town kits and the enthusiasm of the boys in getting to wear them... Hello Roy, I hope this finds you rightly. Today we were back in one of the new schools and took clothes for the boys. They were delighted with the football kits and the Headmaster is planning to try and get something more organised in the way of football there. He sends his thanks to all involved and the boys were as pleased as punch to get wearing them. Lucimar continued, Discipline is not good or easy in this school it is one of the rougher districts of town with drugs and drink big problems leading to high crime levels. The Head and his admin colleagues have begged us to go back again and again weekly if possible and teach more of the Bible. We are hoping to be able to go but the recent excessively hot weather has slowed us both down and I am furthest down the slope!. I am hoping to send a few more photos of some of the new Teams in the school. Meanwhile many thanks to you for all your help, encouragement and prayers Lucimar.

3 FANTASTIC DISPLAY BY UNDER 10s On Sunday 31st August, Gregory Cassells travelled with his young U10 men to a tournament hosted by Ards Rangers. The boys performed fantastically well, progressing from their group as winners. Gregory says: We won our first game beating Hillsborough Boys 1-0 with Dylan Alexander scoring the goal. Greg continued, In our second game we beat Ards Rangers 1-0 with Josh Martin hitting home the winner. In our third and final game of the group we beat Crumlin Utd 6-0. Goals from Dylan Alexander (x3), Bobby Harvey, Jamie Stringer and Daniel Dillon saw the boys through. In the semi final of the cup the boys played Barn Utd and continued in impressive form, winning 7-1. The goals came from Dylan Alexander (x3), Bobby Harvey (x2), Kristain Cassells and Matthew McKee. And so to the final. Gregory says: We drew 0-0 against a very good St Oliver Plunketts and unfortunately lost out on sudden death penalties. However, a good days football was had by all the boys. The Lurgan Town U10 Squad was: Shea Murphy, Kristian Cassells, Daniel Dillon, Matthew McKee, Jamie Stringer, Bobby Harvey, Dylan Alexander & Josh Martin. TOWN ACADEMY FLOURISHING (Continued) Robert continued: At the Academy fun and enjoyment is a priority and in many cases this may be a child's first football experience so we want it to be a good one and we encourage a pressure free attitude so they can relax and enjoy it. Of course parents all want the best for their children and we as coaches also want this. Development of the players works hand in hand with enjoyment - without a win at all costs pressure attitude seen by so many in today's youth football. Our aim at the Academy remains the same - to improve every child that comes on a Friday night to reach his potential at whatever level that may be, but to do so with a smile on his face and go home happy. At the Academy the social aspect is just as important as the football. Our players are mixing with children from different areas of the town and from different cultures and nationalities which is great to see. On a Saturday the children play in the Mid Ulster Games Development Centre in small sided games (5-a-side, 7-a-side, 9-a-side format). No results are kept and this is to aid player development. We currently have around 90 children out on a Saturday morning playing this small sided format. In 2012 Lurgan Town became an accredited IFA/ McDonalds centre and with continued Oh We re The Boys In Yellow and Black growth the coaches continue to grow with their education so they can develop the children with new skills and drills. At the Academy that community spirit is there to see with many parents hanging around on a Friday night and with more exciting off field developments regarding the new pitch and clubhouse this will continue to grow just as the Academy grows week on week. The Academy is on every Friday night from 7pm to 8.30pm for boys born in 2005 to 2009

4 AWARD DELIGHT FOR BRIAN It has been a busy couple of years for founding club member Brian Gordon. In 2013 he picked up the Mayoress Award for services to Lurgan Town Football Club. Mayoress Carla Lockhart recognised the efforts put in by Brian over 25 continual years to bring Lurgan Town from a fledgling new club with just three teams in 1988 to one of the biggest junior clubs in Northern Ireland. Brian has held nearly every position of responsibility from chairman to manager; fixture secretary to unofficial grounds man/janitor. He has overseen the many changes of the club and has been an influential committee member that has made major decisions including moving the club to our home at the Lurgan Town Arena 10 years ago and changing the name of the club from Lurgan Town Boys FC, to Lurgan Town FC in Speaking with Brian he said: "We set up Lurgan Town because there were no junior (under age) clubs in our area. Junior Mercer approached me and asked if I wanted to help form the club. Of course I said yes. Both Junior and myself had young boys and we wanted them to be able to play football". Guys like Junior Mercer, Maurice Houston, Jimmy Uprichard, Ivor Wilson, Paul Best and Jackie Robinson where all influential men in the beginning. Brian continued: "Without these men, the club wouldn't have taken off. I guess that s what makes our club tick along well now - the hardworking volunteers". When asked about his proudest moment being involved with the club, Brian couldn't nail it down to just one. He said: "There has been so many great moments. Our Youth Cup Final appearance in 1995 is up there. And I was also delighted to see 7 players get selected for the Co Armagh Milk Cup squad in 1993 [they where beaten semi finalists by eventual winners Cherry Orchard]. But probably top of the list is seeing our teams play at our own facilities. The development of Lurgan Town Arena is superb to see and a testament to the hard work put in by all concerned". Brian has dedicated his life to junior football. Previous to Lurgan Town FC, he was also a founding member of Hill Street FC (Hill Street Boys Club). "We had table tennis, teams, darts teams and more. But we didn't have a football team. As I was the oldest (19 at the time) I was the manager and the rest of the boys played". Looking back, Brian remembers fondly his time with Hill Street (1973 to 1988). "Albert Twineham and I ran the team and we had players including Norman Livingstone, Pip McNally, Ronnie Haughey, Brian McCann, Collie Malone and Jimmy Toland. Over the years we had a good side, but back then Oxford Utd ruled. It was difficult and we somehow managed to finish runners up in most competitions. We did win the odd Foster Cup, but it wasn't until the 90s until Hill Street really started to dominate". Much like at Lurgan Town, Brian held every post available at Hill Street. "I was manager, chairman, treasurer and secretary". And it is this 40 years of service between both clubs that gained Brian the Ivan Marshall Merit Award in When asked what keeps him going after 25 years at Lurgan Town, three words summed it up: "I love it". What started out as a hobby has blossomed into something much more than that. We can think of no better man to receive both of these awards and we are delighted that he followed a dream many years ago.

5 MARTIN S MEMOIRS. BACK TO THE BEGINNING Former Town goalkeeping legend Martin Murtagh aka Riggs takes us back to when shell suits where fashionable and he had a bit of hair... When you get to my age and you re finished playing football for one reason or another, you have the luxury of looking back and remembering with some affection former team mates, managers and situations that you found yourself in. I m going to start at the best place, the beginning. My first memories of Lurgan Town Boys, as it was then, is firmly linked to Carrick Primary School. I arrived back at the school in Primary 6 after leaving for a number of years. It was there from playing footer on the old gravel hockey pitch that I progressed to LTBFC as requested by my friend Nicky Houston (much to the ire of Mr Lennon who wanted me to play rugby.) Training was Dickson Primary school (more gravel and on the rare occasion the rather dinky sports hall at Lurgan Junior High School). Cold freezing nights doing shuttle runs and sprints, nights were being a goalkeeper was basically playing sweeper...would you dive on gravel?? Cones for goalposts and playing across the pitch because the U12s needed to train on the pitch too. Gravel in your shoes, getting home and coming into the house, taking your trainers off and multitudes of gravel flying all over the hallway, much to the bemusement of your mum. Back then though, you could just dump your dirty gear at the door and it would miraculously find its way back into your chest of drawers clean and dry. Its 25 years now since I joined Lurgan Town at U10. The hardest part is trying to remember who all I played football with. Here is an attempt to list my U10 team. Martin Murtagh David Uprichard, Randal Roderick, Mark Nesbitt, Keith Lutton Jonny Bushe, Nicky Houston, Ryan McNicholl, Steven Harshaw Paul Mercer, Jonny Russell This is clearly open to debate and if anyone has a better memory than me... answers on a postcard. I also think the manager was Jackie Robinson??? My earliest memories of playing are massive losses of 12 and 14 nil. I think that's where I found my anger!! (Not that I m angry on the pitch). I am a horrendous loser; so those are score lines that that didn't help. Really on looking back, they had little meaning at that age. It was a good thing for me, my defence and my manager that score lines like that didn't re-occur in my latter years. I m sure those who know me well enough would know that I have taken them on the chin and moved on. Probably never have even complained about it. Next up - Kits and Gaffers

6 ARENA DEVELOMENT UPDATE A series of photos showing the development of the Lurgan Town Arena 9-a-side pitch and new car parking area. More photos will be shown in next months edition. ARENA HIRE You can hire the Arena pitches and clubhouse for birthday parties, tables quizzes, seminars, bar-mitzvahs and more. For information on how book, please contact: Phil McKinley

7 WAGs CORNER... SUZIE TRAINOR Suzie Trainor took time out of her busy schedule to speak with Winning Isn t Everything about senior player Davy Trainor. Funnily enough she was more than happy to dish the dirt on the midfield maestro. Lets hear what she had to say. WIE: How long have you been dating / married to our David? ST: David and I have been together 8 years, married just over a year. Notice he is going grey quickly. He blames it on living with me :) He used to colour his hair to cover the greys until the guys called him Lego head as the dye was to dark. So unfortunately the greys are staying. WIE: Does Davy have a pre match meal? ST: Oh he definitely does. Every Saturday morning he makes himself a latte coffee and then pops round to his wee mummy s for a milky bar. She keeps these in the fridge for him so they are nice and cold!!! Mummy s blue eyed boy. WIE: What s he like after a game? ST: Lets just say when his team has won he enjoys setting sail with the good ole Captain Morgan. And when they lose, David gets on like a girl who has lost her new Gucci bag - Grumpy, annoyed and snappy. WIE: Does Davy have any superstitions? ST: The only thing I can think of is when he kills a spider he feels the need to throw it out and bleach the murder scene. He says he does this in case the rest of the spiders family sense the death and attack him whilst he is sleeping. He hates spiders. WIE: What would HE say is his best feature? ST: MY wee David thinks his wee muscled arms are his best feature. The poor fella. He once said that he feels he can t wear a jacket without a concealed weapon licence. He calls himself Davy the Bloodstainer. WIE: What would YOU say is his best feature? ST: In my eyes his best feature is his wee cute toned bum ;) WIE: Davy is known at the club for his spice boys dress sense and pretty boy hair style. Truthfully, who spends the longest getting ready to go out? ST: David has to be the fairest of us all when it comes to getting ready. His cleansing, toning and moisturising routine takes at least 25 minutes. Not to mention the time he takes to straighten his hair. He will choose an outfit the day before and probably take a selfie and send it to his mum to get her approval. Davy Trainor Stats Years With Club = 7 (over two spells) Club Appearances = 174 1st Team Appearances = 58 (36 sub) 1st Team Goals = 8 2nd Team Appearances = 73 (7 sub) 2nd Team Goals = 1 Club Awards = 2nd Team Clubman (2012/13), 1st Team Most Improved Player (2011/12), 2nd Team Clubman (2008/09), 2nd Team Clubman (2007/08). WIE: Growing up boys always liked to be a certain player in the playground. Who would Davy say he would like to have been growing up? ST: Ohhh tricky one. I m not sure about a footballer but I do know he wanted to be a ninja turtle. He used to act and dress like them and prance around the garden carrying his wee dog teddy called Deirdre...who he still has might I add!!! WIE: What professional player would Davy liken himself to nowadays? ST: It would definitely have to be Suarez...he thinks he s a goal machine. WIE: We know that you guys live in Rathfriland. What motivates Davy to keep travelling to Lurgan to play football every week? ST: To be honest the only reason he travels to Lurgan is because no one around here will take him. Just kidding. He loves Lurgan Town and he gets on well with the team. WIE: A lot of wives / girlfriends might give off that their men spend so much time involved with football. What is your take on it? ST: Truthfully I honestly don t mind the football at all. It keeps David fit and healthy and it s a good social aspect for him. Both David and I have met friends through Lurgan Town. The craic is good when all the ladies get together. David always says it s time to hang his boots up when he s had a bad day. I just laugh at him, he ll be playing away for another few years The milky bars are on you David... :) Who s in next month s newsletter? Now that would be telling. Its safe to say though, the senior lads will be going home and having a word with their ladies after reading this. Already I can t wait to dish some more dirt.

8 MEET THE COACHES Full Name: David Harvey DOB: Lives: Donaghcloney Favourite Team: Chelsea Favourite Player: Gianfranco Zola Previous Clubs As A Player: Seagoe, Loughgall, Blackers Mill, Dromore Amateurs and Lurgan Town Previous Club As A Coach: Dromore Amateurs and Banbridge Rangers Proudest Moment In Football: Getting to the Wilmor Johnson Final 2013 / 2014 season, don t ask about the result. Full Name: Chris Kelly DOB: Lives: Portadown Favourite Team: Manchester United Favourite Player: Paul Scholes or Roy Keane Previous Clubs As A Player: Dollingstown & Lurgan Institute Previous Club As A Coach: None Proudest Moment In Football: Playing for Co. Armagh Milk Cup team against Manchester United at Mourneview Park or achieving promotion to Mid Ulster Division 1 with Lurgan Institute. Full Name: Timmy Lennon DOB: Lives: Magheralin Favourite Team: Manchester United Favourite Player: Paul Gascoigne Previous Clubs As A Player: Lurgan Town, Portadown Boys, Glenavon, Chimney Corner, Hill St, Dollingstown Previous Club As A Coach: Dollingstown Proudest Moment In Football: Too many to mention. But seeing young Jamie Devlin, who I have coached for a few years, playing in a charity match on 14th September so shortly after his fight with leukaemia was definitely one of them. Keep it going Jamie. Full Name: Nigel McCann DOB: 18/05/1970 Lives: Lurgan Favourite Team: Liverpool Favourite Player: Stevie Gerrard Previous Clubs As A Player: Hill Street, Queens Park Swifts, Dollingstown, Lurgan BBOB, Lurgan Institute Previous Club As A Coach: Lurgan Institute, Lurgan Institute Reserves, Lurgan Town, Lurgan Town Res Proudest Moment In Football: Beating Banbridge Town with Lurgan Town back in 2005 (A 2-1 win in the Mid Ulster Cup). Also beating Hill Street 3 times in one season when manager of Lurgan Institute.

9 SEPTEMBER RESULTS 5th September 2014 U15 NL 1-4 St Oliver Plunketts 6th September st Team 0-5 AFC Craigavon 2nd Team 4-1 Banbridge Town AFC Res U17 LL 1-5 Carrick Rangers U16 LL 0-6 Willowbank U15 MU 3-3 Valley Rangers U14 LL 1-7 North End U14 MU 6-0 Enniskillen Rangers U13 MU 3-8 Moira FC 8th September 2014 U16 LL 1-2 Lisburn Youth U13 LL 5-0 Greenisland 10th September 2014 U14 LL 0-10 Downpatrick 13th September st Team 1-0 Craigavon City 2nd Team 4-4 Ambassadors Res U17 LL 2-3 Dromara Village U15 NL 0-1 Ridgeway Rovers Continued 13th September 2014 U15 MU 5-3 Windmill Stars U14 LL 2-5 North End U14 MU 6-8 Banbridge Rangers U13 LL 4-0 North End U13 MU 0-13 Rathfriland Rangers 20th September st Team 0-2 Camlough Rovers 1st Team 2-2 Red Star Res U17 LL 1-1 Hillsborough Boys U16 LL 3-1 Newry City AFC U15 NL 1-3 Ballinamallard Youth U15 MU 4-2 Lisbellaw Utd U14 LL 0-0 Oxford Sunnyside Colts U14 MU 4-3 Moira FC U13 LL 3-0 TTBS U13 MU 3-7 Portadown Youth 27th September st Team 0-4 Valley Rangers 2nd Team 3-0 Gilford Crusaders U17 LL 2-4 Knockbreda U16 LL 1-4 North Belfast U15 NL 0-10 Glentoran Academy U15 MU 3-8 Armagh City U14 LL 0-6 Oxford Sunnyside U14 MU 1-6 Dungannon Youth U13 LL 0-3 TW Braga U13 MU 2-6 Craigavon City

10 Saturday 4th October OCTOBER FIXTURES Saturday 11th October (Fixtures & venues subject to change. Check lurgantownfc.com for up to date information) 1st Team v Bourneview Mill (@ Lurgan Town Arena) 2nd Team v Lurgan Institute Res (@ Tannaghmore) U17 LL v Lower Maze (@ Bog Road) U16 LL v Lisburn Distillery (@ Ballymacoss) U15 NL v Carniny Youth (@ Venue TBC) U15 MU v No Game U14 LL v Portadown Youth (@ Lurgan Town Arena) U14 MU v Coalisland Young Stars (@ Gordon PF) U13 LL v North End (@ Barbour PF) U13 MU v Dromara Village (@ Dromara Village) U12 LL v Willowbank (@ Lisburn Rec) U12 MU v Oxford Sunnyside (@ Tandragee LC) U11 LL v Larne Youth (@ Lisburn Rec) U11 MU v Craigavon City (@ Tandragee LC) Saturday 18th October 1st Team v TBC (Not available at time of printing) 2nd Team v TBC (Not available at time of printing) U17 LL v Lower Maze (@ Lurgan Town Arena) U16 LL v Ridgeway Rovers (@ Barbour PF) U15 NL v Dungannon Utd Youth (@ Venue TBC) U15 MU v Craigavon City (@ Gordon PF) U14 LL v Shankill Juniors (@ Ballymacoss) U14 MU v Dergview (@ Dungannon Park) U13 LL v Willowbank (@ Wallace Park) U13 MU v Dungannon Youth (@ Gordon PF) U12 LL v Oxford Sunnyside (@ Lisburn Rec) U12 MU v Moira FC (@ Venue TBC) U11 LL v Antrim Rovers (@ Lisburn Rec) U11 MU v Tandragee Rovers (@ Tandragee LC) 1st Team v Markethill Swifts (@ Markethill) 2nd Team v Moneyslane Res (@ Lurgan Town Arena) U17 LL v Lisburn Distillery (@ Moira) U16 LL v North End (@ Barbour PF) U15 NL v Glenavon Academy (@ Venue TBC) U15 MU v Cookstown Youth (@ Mid Ulster Arena) U14 LL v Portadown Youth (@ Moira) U14 MU v Banbridge Town Juniors (@ Banbridge) U13 LL v Warrenpoint Town (@ Lurgan Town Arena) U13 MU v Banbridge Town Panthers (@ Gordon PF) U12 LL v Hillsborough Boys (@ Lisburn Rec) U12 MU v Glenavon Academy (@ Venue TBC) U11 LL v Hillsborough Boys (@ Lisburn Rec) U11 MU v TTBS (@ Venue TBC) Saturday 25th October 1st Team v TBC (Not available at time of printing) 2nd Team v TBC (Not available at time of printing) U17 LL v Willowbank (@ Barbour PF) U16 LL v Banbridge Town (@ Havelock Park) U15 NL v Linfield Youth (@ Venue TBC) U15 MU v TBC (Not available at time of printing) U14 LL v Windmill Stars (@ Lurgan Town Arena) U14 MU v TBC (Not available at time of printing) U13 LL v Windmill Stars (@ Moira) U13 MU v TBC (Not available at time of printing) U12 LL v Warrenpoint Town (@ Lisburn Rec) U12 MU v TTBS (@ Venue TBC) U11 LL v Ridgeway Rovers (@ Lisburn Rec) U11 MU v Portadown Youth (@ Venue TBC) WANT TO ADVERTISE HERE? 20 PER ISSUE info@lurgantownfc.com

11 CLUB SHOP / TUCK SHOP Badger s Soup - Usually Served With A Smile that s the sign that hangs above the kitchen door. Half of the statement is true. We ll let you work out which half that is. Nevertheless, every Saturday morning you will find Sir Adrian and Sir Brian serving up the finest soup this side of the River Bann. There are other items available also, if soup doesn't take your fancy. Tea. Coffee. Sweets. Crisps. Soft Drinks. Needless to say, you wont go hungry when you visit the Arena. The club tuck shop (located in the first building as you arrive to the Arena pitches) is open from 09:00 to 17:00 on a Saturday morning / afternoon. Sir Adrian Reed aka Badger DRINKS Tea: 1 Coffee: 1.50 Bottles: 1 Cans 70p FOOD Crisps: 30p Bacon Fries: 60p Scampi Fries: 60p Chocolate Bars: 70p Soup & Roll: During the week (Monday to Friday) the club tuck shop doubles up as the club merchandise store. Open from 09:00 to 17:30 you can buy all things club related. If its not in stock, you will be able to order it in. Items include tracksuits, rain jackets, hoodies, polo shirts, winter coats, winter hats, mugs, and club scarves. When the building work is completed at the Arena and Lurgan Town gets a new clubhouse, the tuck shop will be relocated to the new clubhouse building and the club merchandise store will be the sole proprietor of the current building. Stock levels will increase and new items will become available. You can also view the club merchandise on PRICES TRACKSUITS FROM 45 RAIN JACKETS FROM 30 T-SHIRTS FROM 16 FLEECE HOODIES FROM 30 POLO SHIRTS FROM 18 WINTER JACKETS FROM 45 CLUB TIES 10 CLUB MUGS 4 CLUB SCARVES 5 WINTER HATS 5

12 COMPETITION TIME For a chance to win a club hat and scarf, complete the crossword below. Entries should be left in the Lurgan Town Arena tuck shop. All entries must be in by Friday 31st October Winner will be drawn at random from all entries with correct answers. Winner will be notified by phone Down Clues 1. The name of the dog on the top of the club badge. Master? Lurgan Town Seniors played here when they moved to the Mid Ulster League Manager of the Mid Ulster 14 side. Hogg. 4. The number of trophies LTFC won in the 2013/14 season? In 2012, this word was dropped from the club name. 6. The 1st Team play in the Mid League. 6. Across Clues 1. Town s longest serving manager. 2 Lurgan Town s home ground The number of 11-a-side teams that play every week for LTFC. 4. Our U7 to U10 teams make up our? 5. The club colours are yellow, red and? 6. Sponsors of the Academy shirts. 7. Robert Davidson s men play in the League. Name: Age Group (If Applicable): Contact Number: