Release Date: 16/06/2011
Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington spent a day in Londonderry this week to see at first hand the fantastic work that has been taking place at grassroots level in the area.
Along with Irish FA President Jim Shaw and Chief Executive Patrick Nelson, Nigel’s first stop was St. Columb’s College, who recently won the Umbro Northern Ireland Schools Cup at three different age groups (U12, U14, and U16). This achievement for the school was made even more remarkable when the U14 team returned from Cardiff as the UK Schools Champions. In a special assembly, the International Manager congratulated each team and answered questions from the teachers, the players and their parents.
A short drive around the corner was Foyleview Special School where IFA Grassroots Development Officer Kevin Doherty regularly works. The staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed their visit by the International manager, who watched and even joined in with their PE lesson, to the delight of the children.
Up next was a visit to Holy Family Primary School, whose girls’ team recently won the Simply Fruit Regional Primary Schools event and finished runners-up in the National finals. Nigel responded to some tough questions during a 30 minute Q & A with pupils who asked about a range of topics including what was his best goal, what was the best stadium he played in, and how many times he got sent off!
Finally, the visit to Derry was rounded off with a trip to St. Eithne’s Primary School to meet the winners of the boys Simply Fruit Regional Primary Schools event, and the boys and girls school football teams.
To view a picture gallery and s short video of the days events CLICK HERE
To watch an interview with Nigel Worthington during the visits CLICK HERE
To watch a video from St. Columb's College CLICK HERE
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