Training Back

 

It was great to see so many happy faces again and being back playing football with friends, after a 5 month break from football. Training is a little different now under our new covid guidelines, with hand, cones and footballs all being sanitized on arrival and throughout the sessions.

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Thank you to all kids, parents and coaches for your patience during this time while the committee worked behind the scenes to make the return as safe as possible for everyone

Training Times 

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Monday nights

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2012, 2011, 2010 @ Regent House Grammar School 7.30 – 8.30 pm

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2008/09, 2007, 2005/06 @ Londonderry Park 8-9pm

 

2004 @ Londonderry Park 8-9.30pm

 

Wednesday night

 

2014/15, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008/09, 2007, 2005/2006 @ Londonderry park 6.30-8pm

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2004 @ Londonderry Park 8-9.30pm

 

All new players welcome

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New Age Group

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As we continue to plan for our long awaited return to training at the beginning of August, the Academy is delighted to announce our new age group for players born in 2008/9.

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This new group will be managed by the very experienced Ashley Paden who is about start her second term with an Academy team, having just taken a team from U10 right up to U18. She has recruited ex Academy Chairman, Jon Stephenson as her coach. Jon is well known locally as a referee but also as a very knowledgeable and able coach from his time as chairman and manager of Academy teams for over ten years.

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Club chairperson Helen Munn said “We are all very excited about this new group, you couldn’t ask for a better, more experienced coaching team than Ashley Paden and Jon Stephenson. If you are looking for somewhere for your child to develop, not only into a better footballer, but to grow as a young person, you will not find anywhere better locally than this new group.”

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Recruitment has started this week, if you want the details of sessions and club info contact Ashley Paden on 07742 245347.

New Players Wanted 

 

Now that training is back the club would welcome any new players who are looking a new challenge with a progressive club. A list of our teams is below so please get in touch with the respective coach for details:

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2014/15 - Gary Martin - 07592151255

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2013 -Michael Heinicke - 07786241919

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2012 - Jake McGran - 07852454353

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2011 - Adam Clarke - 07984359834

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2010 - Mark Magreehan - 07764609160

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2008/09 - Ashley Paden - 07742245347

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2007 - Jay Corkhill - 07429154424

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2006/05 - Terry McCann - 07833717171

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2004 - Mark Green - 07709170908

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The club are also keen to add to their coaching staff so if you are interested in getting involved please get in touch

Sponsorship Opportunities

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Ards FC Academy would like to hear from any individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring our club.

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We have various marketing opportunities across the club including kit, social media and event sponsorship available.

If you would like to know more, please get in touch with our club secretary Jeremy - 07790 725040

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We look forward to hearing from interested parties.

       Goldmark Volunteers

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On Wednesday 11th March young club coaches, Alana Burch, Ben Kinnier, Ross Kinnier and Craig Horner were awarded Goldmark Volunteer certificates by the Irish FA at a ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast.

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These awards are open to all young club volunteers between the age of 16 and 24 to recognize their commitment to local sports clubs.

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Academy coaching director Norman Kelly said  “These four never miss a training night, they have such great enthusiasm for coaching and are wonderful role models for the young players. We are delighted to have them with us, and look forward to seeing their further development and them eventually take control of an age group of their own. If there are any other young coaches out there who want to join us, they are all very welcome any Monday or Wednesday night at Londonderry Pk.“

  Academy Raise Mental HealthAwareness

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Following the tragic death of former Ards player Jerry Thompson, the club took immediate action and organised a session on Mental Health Awareness.

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TJ Young form SPORTS and Desy Jones From Emerge Counselling Services delivered the important message that it is good to talk when you are in that dark space.  As many as one in six young people find themselves with problems, all to often in todays pressurised world.

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If you are in need of help or know someone who you are concerned about , Emerge Counselling can be contacted on 02892 445060 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.

       IFA National Stadium Tour

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On Sunday 12th January the club organised for a party of 30 Academy players, parents, managers and coaches to go on a tour of the IFA National Stadium Tour and The Education and Heritage Centre.