TERMONFECKIN’S SPECIAL VISITOR
SANTA CLAUS came early to Termonfeckin last week when FAI Chief Executive John Delaney handed out some special treats - tickets for all the kids taking part in a special ‘street soccer’ event to Ireland’s game with Serbia in September.
He had intended to hand out 50 but was then informed there were 84 taking part. ‘ Nobody will be disappointed,’ he declared, as he also told club members that the FAI was granting the club €5,000 to help develop a safer entrance to the club field on the Sheetland Road.
He was in Termonfeckin to get first hand experience of the street soccer series that the club has been operating all summer.
Basically, each Tuesday and Wednesday night, kids of all ages, boys and girls, come along, pick their own teams and play away - no refs or whistles needed.
‘It’s about fun and it’s been a huge success for us,’ stated club chairman Alan Fitzpatrick.
John Delaney heard about the whole thing and last Wednesday made his way to Celtic’s ground to experience the buzz first hand.
‘ The people are very enthusiastic here and that’s vital. We are only too happy to help them out,’ he stated.
The club has re-aligned the pitches, with an 11-a-side and a 9-a-side now in operation as well as a training area. An all weather surface is also planned.
They have a nursery section each Saturday and can now boast 215 members, having only 60 just a few years ago.
The club was formed 20 years ago, but this is the first year they had a structured committee.
John Delaney said he was duly impressed with the set up and paid particular comment to the ‘mommies’ who do so much. ‘As they say, the fellas talk and the women do,’ he quipped.
He urged Termonfeckin to keep building and keep young people playing and backing the grassroots is something he firmly believes in.