Coleraine FC and the Harry Gregg Foundation reach agreement

COLERAINE have taken over control of the club’s Academy from the Harry Gregg Foundation.

The Foundation has been driving the Academy but following a review the football club has determined that it should be responsible for its administration and development.

Coleraine took a fresh look at its partnership with the Harry Gregg Foundation after reports of a dispute focusing on the youth Academy between the two parties and centering on funding for youth development at the club.

Andy Alcorn, chairman of the Harry Gregg Foundation, had claimed that funding from the club via Uefa solidarity fund applications and player reimbursement payments should have been placed into a bank account for youth development, adding that had not been the case.

He suggested Uefa could check if Coleraine had followed guidelines.

But Coleraine chairman Colin McKendry insisted that the club had done nothing wrong in relation to youth development and added that no rules had been broken under any guidelines laid down by Uefa.

And last night Coleraine stated: “Coleraine FC and the Harry Gregg Foundation wish to announce that following a review of the partnership it has been agreed that the administration of Coleraine FC Academy should be the responsibility of Coleraine FC.

“Coleraine FC wish to place on record our thanks to the Foundation for the administration and development of the Academy over the years of their custodianship.

“They have developed the Academy to where it is held up as the blueprint of excellence.

“The Club and Foundation wish to assure the boys and girls, parents, coaches and all Bannsiders that the Academy will continue to provide football for all.

“Both the Club and Foundation look forward to working together in the future on projects which benefit the wider Bannsider Community.”

• LARNE Football Club will kick-off a new era at a new-look Inver Park today that they hope and believe will take them to the Irish Premiership and ultimately into Europe.

In the Bluefin Championship match of the afternoon Ballinamallard United visit Larne, with home supporters having the chance to see the new 4G pitch and the extension of the grandstand at the ground which should take the capacity to around 2000.

Also in the Championship today Portadown host PSNI, Ballyclare play Loughgall, Dundela travel to Carrick, Dergview entertain H & W Welders and Knockbreda go to Limavady (all games 3.00pm).