Saturday 4th September saw the completion of Draperstown Celtic’s most successful Skills Development Centre so far. This was the fourth year of the Centre and during the season over 900 children came along on Saturday mornings to practice their skills and enjoy the game of soccer.
The season got off to a great start when Draperstown Celtic was named The Co-operative Insurance Football Development Centre Monthly Award winner for March 2010.The Skills Development Centre won a bag of coaching equipment including footballs, bibs, discs, mini-goals, hurdle cones, poles and a first -aid bag.
This season also saw the introduction of a Draperstown Skills Development Centre playing kit. This proved to be a very popular addition, as 50 of the kits have been purchased and it is encouraging seeing so many players kitted out every Saturday morning and taking pride in being part of Draperstown Celtic.
Approximately 60 children attended the final day at Cahore Park and the torrential rain showers did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the players.
The vast improvement in all the children was clearly evident with some great football played and some excellent goals scored, especially a magnificent 20 yard volley from Matthew Bradley which was a contender for goal of the season. There was also an outstanding display of goal keeping from young Shane Grant.
After 90 minutes of exciting football action all the children received a commemorative medal and some much needed refreshments. Thanks to Laurence and McCann’s Costcutters of Portglenone for the sponsorship of the refreshments.
Thanks also to all the coaches who gave up time to pass on their knowledge – first team players Gareth Haskins and John Higgins, Brendan Heron, Paul Devlin, Michael Kelly, Simon Kelly, Gary Merron, Austin McKillion, Declan McBride and Sean McCallion.
Most important – thanks to all the children and parents who came to the Mini Soccer Centre every Saturday. We hope to see you all back again next season – so keep practicing. Next season will see the introduction of an under 13 Development squad for players that are too old for the Skills Development Centre. We will keep you all informed of the start date through Teamer and the local press. New members and players are always welcome.
Our website at www.dc-fc.net has lots of information relating to all the different teams of Draperstown Celtic.
If you have any questions about mini soccer or youth football at Draperstown Celtic you can contact Paul McCallion on 07841344253.
