GARDA LATE NIGHT LEAGUE FINALS
THE finals of the popular Drogheda late night soccer league took place last week and fittingly, it was Rochey FC who won the overall competition.
They dedicated their name to Daniel Roche who passed away following a road traffic accident during the year.
Indeed, his family dedicated a trophy in his memory for the event.
The Late Night League was established in 2015 as a response to tackle on-going anti-social issues on the Marley’s Lane soccer pitches, Drogheda Boys changing room facilities and within the wider community.
Since its establishment the project has engaged with over 120 young people aged between 10-19 years and is currently managed and coordinated by an inter-agency steering committee which includes; local youth services Youth Work Ireland & FOROIGE, local community development projects, Drogheda Boys, FAI, Respond! Housing, local volunteers, Gardaí and Probation services.
The steering committee of the Late Night League now in its 4th tenure, identified from an early stage the importance of the provision of a late night soccer tournament as a preventative measure to these on-going anti-social activities.
Graham Campbell chairperson with Drogheda Boys states; “Since the introduction of the Late Night Leagues, we have had a fantastic response from the local community, especially the young people taking part, who have been marvelous.
‘It has also seen a massive drop in anti-social behavior in the immediate area and is a massive step in our goal of becoming a more inclusive football club.
‘Organized football isn’t for everyone with the commitment to training 2-3 times during the week as well as a game at weekends, but projects like this open the game up for others.
‘I’d also like to thank the family of Daniel Roche, a popular participant who died tragically in August, for presenting the trophy which has been named in his memory, to the winning team.”
The league offers young people an outlet to maintain participation in sports based activities at times most associated with anti-social behavior ( Weekend Nights 8:30pm – 11:30pm). The service has proven significantly beneficial for those involved and the wider community. Whilst the league provides young people with a safe space where they can socialise and develop it also encourages more physical activity in the everyday lives of those involved. There are also reports from the Gardaí confirming a reduction in anti-social and low level criminal activity on the nights the leagues take place.
Speaking on the night, Garda David Rothwell had to say, “being involved in the league gives us, the guards, a great opportunity to get to know the young people from the community we work in. They are a fantastic group and it’s been great fun working with them for the last 5 weeks and we hope to see them all back again at the next league.”
The winning team after the 5 weeks was aptly titled Rochey FC and along with 5 Player of the Week winners will enjoy a trip to the Ireland v Iceland game in the Aviva Stadium early next year.
The organizers would like to thank East Coast Bakehouse and FMS Vending for sponsoring the league and Tony’s Takeaway for supplying the food for the final night.