Draperstown Youth Teams
This season Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams competing in the following age groups.

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

The U16 team is again competing in the North West and Coleraine District Youth League and will face Donemana, Moyola, Ballycastle, Limavady Youth and Coleraine Academy. The U16 season begins on Saturday 18 September with opponents and venue to be confirmed.

The newly formed U14 squad are competing in the Mid Ulster Youth League and will face teams such as Donegal Celtic, Armagh City, NFC Kesh and local teams Moyola and Cookstown Youth.

The U14 league campaign begins on Sat 11th September against local rivals Moyola at Cahore Park. Kick Off 10.30am. Please come along and support our new team in their first competitive game.

Training for the U14 squad takes place every Thursday at Cahore Park from 6.30pm – 8.00pm. Cost £1.00 per session which goes to the running of the team for the season.

If you are interested in playing for Draperstown at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Friendly Game
On Friday 03 September the Draperstown Celtic Youth squads faced each other in a pre season friendly at Cahore. The game, played in front of a sizeable crowd was an excellent work out for both teams and a good opportunity for both management teams to get a look at their squads before the season begins in earnest.

The young U14 squad held their own against the more experienced and bigger U16 squad and were unlucky to be losing 1 – 0 at half time. In the second half the experience of the older team began to count and the final result was a 4-0 victory for the U16 team.
Thanks to first team manager for Marty McGuigan for refereeing the game.

Membership
The 2010/2011 membership for both squads is now due. Players must pay their membership before they are eligible to play.

Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre Kits
Draperstown Celtic has introduced a Development Centre Soccer Kit. The kit consists of a shirt embroidered with club crest, shorts and socks. Cost £25.00.
If you are interested in purchasing a kit please speak to any of the coaches at the Centre.

Website
Keep up to date with Draperstown Celtic at www.dc-fc.net

If you have any questions about mini soccer or youth football at Draperstown Celtic you can contact Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

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.

Pharmacy Supplies League Cup : Group Stage

This opening group stage match at Cahore Park saw a much changed Celtic play a very entertaining draw against a strong Kesh side. Pre season results had not gone well for the home side and the by now usual situation of the non availabillity of many players may have suggested that this game was going to be difficult to say the least. However, after a sluggish, nervy start where Kesh took a deserved lead, Draperstown came back well and by the end of the game a point was the least their efforts deserved.

The new management team of Marty McGuigan and Chris Larkin certainly had the team as well prepared as possible but with some new faces and others playing in different positions than normal, it was perhaps understandable that Celtic were slow to start and found themselves a goal down after 15 minutes. But to their credit they did not lose their belief and began to play some attractive football on the excellent surface. With Higgins and Haskins coming to grips with their central mid field duties they had Kesh on the backfoot and scored a deserved equaliser when Larkin pounced on a loose ball and fired into the roof of the net for a memorable goal for the player making his first Celtic start. Kesh continued to look dangerous, especially from corners and set pieces especially with their height advantage but half time saw an evenly balanced match.

Keshy did begin the second half in the ascendancy and re-took the lead with an excellent header. Again Celtic responded in a positive manner with Joe Crossett much to the fore and looking lively on the right hand side. The equaliser, which came with 10 minutes left, saw Crossett send in a wonderful cross which was powerfully headed home by Kevin Murray. The goal was fully deserved both for the player and the side and the final minutes saw Draperstown search for the winner but Kesh held firm and were able to see the game out and a share of the points.

All in all a very good performance from Draperstown which will give them a lot of confidence for the games ahead. They played some good football and showed a great deal of determination and while there still remains a great deal of work to do both in terms of adding to the squad and player fitness, this particular performance will help lay the foundations needed for the long season ahead.

The Nutty Krust IFA Soccer Fun week programme took place in Draperstown from 02-05th August. A strong turnout of 32 budding footballers from Draperstown and further afield made sure that the fun week was a success. And to make things even better, the weather held up too!!

The week entailed a mix of high quality coaching from qualified IFA coaches as well as many fun activities which challenged and developed the skills of the children.

On the final day there were competitions to decide on the Penalty King and the Keepy Up King. The competitions were closely fought but the eventual winners were:

• U7 Keepy Up King – Dara O’Kane
• U7 Penalty King – Luke Burns
• U9 Keepy Up King – Logan McCullough
• U9 Penalty King – Aodhan O’Hagan
• U11 Keepy Up King – Peter Armour
• U11 Penalty King – Stuart Drennan

The Umbro players of the week award were difficult decisions but the coaches agreed that the deserving winners were:

• U11 Player of the Week – Paul Donnelly
• U9 Player of the Week – Martin Mackle
• Umbro Merit Award – Dearbhla McCallion

Following the prize giving received an Umbro Pack containing a kit bag, a water bottle and the all important football!!!

Summing up the week the event co-ordinator Brian Hutchinson stated:

What a great success we had this week at Cahore Road. The number of players has increased from the previous years, the weather was good and we didn’t lose any playing time! Thanks to Nutty Krust for the goodie-bags that they provided for everyone.

If you missed out on the Draperstown funweek don’t worry! The Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre continues every Saturday throughout the summer at
Cahore Park from 11am at a cost of £2.00 per child. If you require further details please contact the Centre co-ordinator, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Draperstown Celtic Football Club is again hosting the annual Damian McGrogan Memorial Cup, now in its 14th year and played in proud memory of one of the clubs great stalwarts,player and friend to many.

This annual pre-season tournament is now a firm fixture on the local football calendar, and with a very competitive spirit shown over the years by all participating teams it has proven to be a great preparation source for all clubs as they commence their new season.

This years tournament will kick-off on Monday 26th July between 2008 winners Newtowne F.C and Irish Intermediate League team Killymoon Rangers. Tuesday27th sees host club Draperstown Celtic with their new management team of Marty McGuigan and Chris Larkin up against progressive Ballymena outfit Broadway Celtic. Wednesday sees Intermediate League’s Dungiven receive a bye unfortunately for the competition  into the next round by virtue of a very late withdrawal of  local opposition. The opening ties conclude onThursday 29th July with the tie of the round when cup holders Magherafelt Sky Blues take on local rivals Tobermore United.

The Semi-Finals wil be played the following Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd August,with the Final scheduled on Friday 6th August 2010.

All games will kick-off at 7pm and if level after 90 minutes the game will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Monday 26th July: Game A – Newtowne FC 6-0 Killymoon Rangers

Tuesday 27th July: Game B – Draperstown Celtic 1-1 Broadway Celtic *

Wednesday 28th July: Game C – Dungiven p-p Bye

Thursday 29th July: Game D – Magherafelt Sky Blues v Tobermore Utd

Monday 2nd August: SEMI-FINAL (1) Newtowne FC v Draperstown Celtic

Tuesday 3rd August: SEMI-FINAL (2) Dungiven v Winner Game D

Friday 6th August: Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2

Kick off 7pm Sharp at Cahore Playing Fields.

45minutes each way to be decided on a penalty shoot-out in the event of a draw.
All games played under IFA rules.

* Broadway withdrew due to other committments

Pharmacy Supplies Intermediate League Cup Final.

Draperstown Celtic were crowned Northern Ireland League cup winners on Friday night after goals from John Higgins and Gavin Bradley secured the victory over a hotly favoured Oxford side. Played at Dungiven, the big crowd were treated to a very evenly contested high tempo game which hung in the balance right until the final whistle. Draperstown were worthy winners, make no mistake of that. Despite coming into the game on a poor run of form and results, it appeared that they would have it all to do against the current league leaders who had easily dispatched Celtic in the Challenge Cup semi final only a few weeks ago. But there was to be no repeat of that 4-0 scoreline on this occasion and Celtic would regain the trophy having won it last in 2004. The success was also a fitting way for manager John McKee to complete his 3 year tenure in charge of the side and to know that his side put in a performance which he could be very proud of.

Celtic began the game on the backfoot, wary of the Oxford strike force of David Campbell and Carlin who had caused so much trouble in their last meeting. Oxford had a claim for penalty turned down in only the second minute when Carlin went down under a challenge by Ally McLean and Carlin also fired over from 8 yards in the 23rd minute when in a good position. Celtic were rarely seen as an attacking in the half force as Oxford dominated with the majority of the game being played in Celtic’s last third of the pitch. The half ended goalless, a reflection of the excellent defending by the Celtic back four in which Mclean excelled all through the match.

The second half was to see a different approach from Draperstown. They were more attack minded and with Higgins and Bradley coming more into the game Celtic were soon causing Oxford some defensive problems. This new attitude paid off after only 3 minutes of the half when Gavin Bradley stole past his marker and found John Higgins in the box. Celtic’s captain rode two challenges before slotting the ball past Walker for an excellent goal The Celtic support was now daring to believe that this might be their night but only 5 minutes later their hopes were temporarily dashed when Carlin finished clinically past McConnell with a first time strike.

Some would have expected Oxford to push on from here and take control of the game, but it was Draperstown who continued to play the more positive, incisive football. Gary Conway found Bradley with a delightful ball but the forward’s touch deserted him at the vital moment and Walker was able to clear the danger. A further good chance again fell to Bradley on the hour mark when he ran on to Eamon Murray’s pass but fired past the far post.

The game was now very open and end to end, but again the Drapertown back four held Oxford at bay and again the Derry City side were not able to cause McConnell any real problems. The last ten minutes saw Draperstown on the attack and further chances almost brought the winning goal. Bradley stabbed the ball wide at the near post while Walker almost allowed a shot to squirm past him but was relieved to see it spin past the post. The whistle at the end of 90 minutes saw the game go into extra time and already Celtic supporters were thinking of the chances which had gone a begging.

The first period again saw Draperstown take the game to their opponents but neither side were able to create a decent chance as fatigue was becoming a factor. However the Celtic pressure told five minutes into the second period of extra time when Higgins found Bradley in the box who turned his marker before firing past Walker.

The last ten minutes saw Oxford throw everything at Celtic in the search for the equaliser and they must have thought they had snatched when Logue volleyed a powerful shot from 6 yards but McConnell pulled off the save of this or any other season to push the ball over the bar. Oxford’s hearts sank, the Celtic “casuals” cheered their keeper and a minute later the final whistle was sounded to spark off great scenes of celebrations which were to continue long into the night.

The victory was certainly built on a quite superb defensive performance in which McLean was Man of the Match but he was closely followed by the rest of his team mates whose attitude and commitment were the real factors of this cup success.

Intermediate League

Draperstown surrendered their unbeaten home record this season with a tame defeat at the hands of Dungiven in what was a poor match last Saturday. Both teams were well under strength and with neither side in the hunt for league honours, it was more of a case of getting another game played in what will be a very busy league schedule in the remaining few weeks of the campaign.

Dungiven started brightly and took the lead on 9 minutes when a ball over the top allowed the forward to run on and score easily. Celtic came into the game more and were rewarded on 14 minutes when Higgins was taken down in the box for a penalty. The same player tucked the ball into the far corner for the equaliser. Both sides had opportunities to take the lead as the half wore on. Marty McGuigan fired just over from 20 yards while Haskins volleyed wide after a good cross from Adrian McGuigan.

The second half was only 4 minutes old when Dungiven got their second and ultimately the winning goal. McLean handled an inswinging corner and the resultant penalty was easily dispatched. Draperstown had plenty of possession but lacked the skill and guile to open up a resolute Dungiven defence. Right at the death however, Kennedy had a glorious opportunity to grab an equalise but managed to lift the ball over the bar when a goal seemed certain.

So note a game that will live long in the memory, but one that gives an indication of the work needed in the summer months, certainly for Draperstown, if they are to remain competitive throughout next year’s campaign

The importance of developing youth football is key to the future success of Draperstown Celtic and therefore we are pleased to announce the return of the highly successful Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre.

The focus of the Skills Development Centre is on developing skilled, confident and creative footballers while making the game fun to practice and play. We will teach the importance of good sportsmanship, respect for all and the value of winning but not at the expense of player character or performance development. The Centre embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment, which is important if children are to develop a lifelong love of football. It is designed for children from P3 – P7 of all abilities, to develop skills, understanding and most importantly make the game FUN and ENJOYABLE.

Last year was our most successful season yet with over 850 children attending the Centre during the season. We had an average of 40 children each Saturday morning learning new skills and enjoying the game of football. Since its beginnings 3 years ago the Centre has grown in popularity and has given rise to some interesting facts:

• Over 2,000 children have attended
• Received IFA Accreditation
• Hosted an IFA Football Fun week
• Hosted a Mini Soccer Tournament
• Produced players for our Youth team

This booklet will hopefully provide you with answers to any queries you have but if you need any further information do not hesitate to contact Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Please download/view the Information & Registration Booklet here.

if you dont have a current PDF Reader or the above link will not open then please click here for an online version of the booklet.

The Centre continues every Saturday morning at 11.00am at the Draperstown Celtic pitches in Cahore Park.

The sessions are delivered by qualified and vetted coaches who have completed the IFA Mini Soccer Coaching Award as well as a Safeguarding Children in Football Certificate.

The focus of the Skills Development Centre is on developing skilled, confident and creative footballers while making the game fun to practice and play. We teach the importance of good sportsmanship, respect for all and the value of winning but not at the expense of player character or performance development. The Centre embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment, which is important if children are to develop a lifelong love of football. It is designed for children from P3 – P7 of all abilities, to develop skills, understanding and most importantly make the game FUN and ENJOYABLE. The cost is £2.00

New members are always welcome.

If you have any questions about the Skills Development Centre you can contact the Centre Co-ordinator, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre Kits

Following requests from parents, Draperstown Celtic have this year introduced a Development Centre Soccer Kit. The kit consists of a shirt embroidered with club crest, shorts and socks. It can be worn to the Centre as well as to any tournaments or blitzes that we may attend. If you are interested in purchasing a kit please speak to the Centre Co-ordinator.

NI Intermediate League

John Mc Kee was forced to ring the changes with no fewer than seven players unavailable but those who came in put in a solid performance against a stubborn Strabane side at Cahore Park. While the game itself was hardly a classic the goals scored certainly came into this bracket. Strikes from Sinclair and Higgins for Draperstown and a fine effort from Strabane’s  Roulston were certainly the highlights and Haskin’s finish also had a touch of quality about it.

With neither side having set the league alight this season, the game did not have a great deal riding on it but Celtic still have a league cup final appearance and places are most certainly up for grabs as far as manager McKee is concerned. The early exchanges were quite even as both sides sought to overcome the hard pitch but Ryan Sinclair brought the game to life with a simply outstanding goal on ten minutes. Picking up the ball just inside the Strabane half he strove forward and seeing Devine off his line hit a glorious left foot arching shot from fully 35 yards which gave the keeper no chance. A wonderful goal which was matched, perhaps bettered, by John Higgins 4 minutes later. Higgins, making in first start in a number of weeks following injury, controlled the ball 20yards from goal and beat Devine with a measured shot in off the crossbar to leave Celtic in the driving seat .

Strabane showed they weren’t out of the game when Farniouk did well to tip McCallion’s free over the bar on 17 minutes, but Draperstown should have extended their lead on 20 minutes when Murchan’s cross was headed just wide by Joe Crossett. Draperstown did take the foot off the pedal and Strabane got back into the game with a goal which matched the quality of the earlier strikes. Roulston hit a thunderous goal from 25 yards into the top corner giving Farniouk no chance. Devine did well to stop Higgins from scoring at the end of the half but the home side were well worth their half time lead.

The second half did not have the fireworks of the first, indeed for the first 25 minutes there was very little goal mouth action. Caulfield produced a good surging run and shot which Devine did well to smother with mcCallion clearing Haskins’ follow up shot.  Strabane’s McCallion also did well to clear Kennedy’s effort off the line after his shot had beaten Devine. Draperstown made sure of the points on 82 minutes when Haskins ran onto Caulfiled’s pass and lobbed Devine from the edge of the box for another quality goal.

Celtic also hit the post before Kennedy almost got the goal his performance deserved but he fired over the bar as Draperstown finished the game well in control.A decent performance from Draperstown which was needed after last week’s mauling at the hands of Oxford and the goals certainly showed that there is some quality in the side. They have to be matched with a more positive attitude and commitment especially with a final looming. Manager John McKee will expect nothing less.