Club features
By Niamh Archibald
MONEYSLANE FC is one of a number of local clubs currently taking part in the Club and Community Development Programme which is being run by IFA Grassroots Development Officer, Malcolm Roberts, in partnership with the Rural Community Network.
“This series of six workshops being run as part of the Club and Community Development Programme are unique,” explained Malcolm. “They have been created as a result of an increasing number of football clubs who seek assistance in managing their affairs both on and off the field of play.
“Newry and Mourne Grassroots Development Centre has engaged with nine clubs ranging from the Irish Premier League to the Local Youth League, in a sustained effort to plan, action and review the clubs’ performances in terms of administration, coach and player development and most prevalently, community outreach events.
“The future of Grassroots Development is where our grassroots clubs are in a position to attain the ambitions that their community desires.“
The strategic aims of the programme:
- Empowering clubs
- Raising standards
- Promoting sport in the Community
- Sustainable Development
Moneyslane Football Club is a highly successful club which fields teams from the under 10 age group right up to senior level, as well as a ladies team.
The Club which was founded in 1983 currently boasts membership of over 200 and has teams playing in the Carnbane League (underage) and the senior teams are playing in the Mid-Ulster League for the first time after 24 years in the Newcastle League. This year is also the Club’s 25 years on their pitch.
In February 2006 the Club achieved a Goldmark Award - something the Junior Club co-ordinator Leonard Blakely says was a “big achievement for our Club.”
They currently have 11 IFA Level 1 junior section coaches and 2 UEFA ‘B’ coaches in their ranks and have a successful underage and ladies set up. “I am the Junior Club co-ordinator and Club Development Officer and drew up a three year plan before we started the junior section which has been very successful,” explained Leonard.
The senior 1st team won the League in 2003 - another great success for the Club.
The Moneyslane Club has no facilities of their own at the moment but their wish for the future is a fully facilitated pitch changing area and clubroom “for all the children in the local community.” Speaking about the Club and Community Development Programme which is run by IFA Grassroots Development Officer Malcolm Roberts, Leonard said: “I myself have achieved a diploma in community foundation studies and have a great insight into working with other communities and their backgrounds.”
Moneyslane hope that the Club and Community Development Programme will give them the chance to “get new ideas and lots of experience” as well as the opportunity to “work with all the local community groups together as one as football is for all.” Leonard continued: “We aim to work with all kids and adults, whether they can kick a ball or not. The beautiful game is for all and especially for those who want to have fun and enjoyment.”
He also added his thanks to Malcolm Roberts “for all his help over the last few years in setting up courses and with his overall knowledge of the game itself.”
