Coaches from the NI Football League Academy clubs at Sport Lisboa e Benfica
As part of the NI Football League’s ongoing commitment to youth development, club representatives from Academy League clubs attended a coach education visit to Benfica.
The visit, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, allowed coaches and Heads of Youth to gain fantastic access to observe practices and methodologies at one of Europe’s major youth academies.
Expertly aided by Benfica Academy staff, representatives gained knowledge and insight into;
• The Benfica Youth Development Model
• Youth Scouting, Assessment and Match Analysis
• The Benfica Game Model
• On field tactical and technical sessions
The visit was organised in partnership with Invest in Sport Ltd with some of the learning giving clubs and the NI Football League further knowledge and potential to better shape the direction of our Academies and League.
Participations on the visit; Andrew McCrory (Ards), David Alonso (Ballinamallard United), Joe McCall (Ballymena United), Damien McAuley (Cliftonville), Stephen McCann (Coleraine), Gareth Bond (Crusaders), Terence Fitzpatrick (Dungannon Swifts), Mark Cromie (Glenavon), Stephen Lowry (Glentoran), Ryan Prentice (Linfield), Matthew Newell (Warrenpoint Town).
Defender, Jarlath O’Rourke, has left the Club with immediate effect, to join North Belfast side, Crusaders FC.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing for Dungannon. From making my debut at 17 years old to winning the League Cup last season, I’ve some great memories. I’ve no doubt Dungannon with all the young talent coming through will continue to move forward. I’d like to thank the Board, Management and Supporters for everything. I look forward to coming back to Stangmore in the future!”
Jarlath O’Rourke
Having been at Dungannon Swifts and Youth his entire career to date, bar a short spell with Carrick Rangers, O’Rourke leaves with our best wishes.
“Jarlath has been a solid left back for us. His contract is up at Stangmore and he has chosen to move on elsewhere, I wish him well for the future and thank him for his service to Dungannon Swifts Football Club.”
Manager- Kris Lindsay
As a Club, we would like to thank Jarlath for his commitment to DSFC and we wish him well for the future.
Club Captain, Christopher Hegarty, has made the decision to leave the Club for pastures new as he joins the newly crowned Irish Cup Champions, Crusaders Football Club.
“Christopher has been a fantastic player and an inspirational Captain since he took over the role. He has left us for an undisclosed fee to join the Crues (Crusaders). I wish Chris well for the future and thank him for his service to Dungannon Swifts Football Club.”
Manager – Kris Lindsay
Christopher has been a loyal servant to Dungannon Swifts, coming through the ranks at DUY before moving across the water to England as a teenager and finally returning to Dungannon Swifts, via Rangers and Linfield.
He has now decided it is time to move on.
Firstly, I’d like to thank Keith Boyd (Chairman) for letting me take this opportunity. It hasn’t been an easy decision to make but I feel if I don’t take the chance now, it’s one I may live to regret in the future. Thanks to Kris Lindsay and the coaching staff who have been brilliant towards me from the minute they came in. I believe Kris will do a great job at the Swifts and I’ve honestly enjoyed every minute under him. I would like to also pay personal thanks to Stevie (Symington) the physiotherapist, as he has been brilliant in the 3.5 years I’ve been at Dungannon.
I could go on and name everyone but honestly I’d only forget someone. I want to thank each and everyone of you at the Club for how well I have been treated. Unfortunately, winning the league cup has given me the hunger to go on and win more silverware, and this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn away for my own career. It is purely a footballing decision to try and better myself in the next few years and play some European Football and battle it out at the top of the league. Finally, I would like to thank the Supporters, from the moment I walked back into Dungannon Swifts, every single person has made me most welcome.
Thanks for the support everyone, I’m sure I will see you all very soon. Good luck.”
Christopher Hegarty
As a Club, we would like to thank Christopher for his service and wish him well for the future.
If you know a Dungannon Swifts FC SuperFan we are inviting you to nominate them for a chance to win the Danske Bank Superfan Award plus a Season Ticket for the 2019/20 Season.
Nominations close on 10th April 2019 and to nominate please go to https://bit.ly/2HMEzzV
The Dungannon Swifts Charitable Trust was set up in February 2019. The aim of the trust primarily is to promote community development and community participation in healthy recreation especially in Dungannon and Mid Ulster. It will also foster good relations, equality, diversity and religious and racial harmony in the above locations. We will also be promoting other charitable purposes from time to time.
On the match night against Linfield (Friday 22nd March 7.45 pm KO) we will be undertaking a bucket collection on behalf of Sperrinview School, Dungannon.
Sperrinview School currently caters for 118 pupils with severe learning difficulties, from pre-school to 19 years. The pupils are drawn from South and East Tyrone. Sperrinview is a co-educational, inter-denominational, controlled, day school.
This purpose built school, located less than one mile from the centre of Dungannon, was first occupied in September 1996 and officially opened in September 1997. The school has several specialised rooms including one for each of the therapists, ie Speech and Language, Occupational and Physiotherapist. There is also a sensory garden, woodland classroom, tree trail and maths trails as well as recently upgraded specialised play areas [including a green gym], a multi sensory room, white room, soft play room and a library.
In addition the therapists [referred to above] have input, as per recommendations in pupils’ statements of special educational needs. A number of other people including the secretary, caretaker, groundsman, school meals staff, supervisory assistants, cleaners, bus escorts and drivers also make valuable contributions to school life.
Pupils are given opportunities to explore the wider community through environmental visits. Participation in events such as the local festival and feis, visits to theatres and involvement in events organised with/for other schools/colleges, provide opportunities to integrate. Work experience placements and careers education programmes, including visits to local industries, are further examples of community links.
We are delighted to that some staff and pupils from Sperrinview will be with us on the night. Please dig deep in your pockets for some loose change to help us support this worthy cause.
