Ardee: Fair Green Soccer League for Youths

dw_newtown

My name is Darren Weldon and I am a 3rd year Community Sports Leadership student in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

I have noticed recently that when I drive by the purpose built sports area in the Fair Green park at the bottom of the town, it is usually deserted. Granted it's winter and the numbers of kids out playing would dwindle anyway, but shouldn't this amenity serve the people of Ardee better?

I would like to volunteer my services to help establish a street soccer league for the youth of Ardee on weeknights. I propose to advertise that a league/competition/coaching of some description would be happening on a particular week-night e.g. Wednesday and get young people down to play soccer in a safe, organised environment.

Given my experience of working with young people on blitzes organised by DKIT and while on work placement in Ardee Community School, there are many other sports that I can coach which could appeal to both genders and different age groups. There is huge potential for all segments of society to participate in various sports and physical activity for on any given night with my experience and the support of the people of Ardee and its surrounds, local sports clubs, the national governing bodies and Ardee Town Council.

The research I have conducted during my studies has led me to conclude that young people are not getting enough exercise, which only serves to cripple the health service of this country and contribute to the worldwide epidemic that is obesity.

I would like to get the young people of Ardee enjoying sport in an informal setting amongst their friends. I would also like to give the parents of these young people peace of mind knowing that their children are getting exercise and having fun in safe surroundings run by experienced people. If the street league is a success, it could open up a window of opportunity for loads of other activities to be run on the multi-sports pitch, especially during the summer months.

My mandate is to give the young people of Ardee a chance to learn a variety of new skills through the medium of sport and physical activity in a safe, fun environment.


I decided to put this somewhere that people might see it, seeing as the ardee town council havent responded so far to this proposal. i would like some feedback and suggestions on the finer points i.e insurance, volunteers, business tie-ins etc. The long term plan is to have this running 52 weeks of the year, with different sports running on different nights for different age groups.


Young people in Ardee always complain that they have nothing to do. thats why they go knacker drinking down the dee and the like. The community at large have a responsibilty to set a good example to the youth of Ardee and sport is a great way of doing this. Using an amenity like the multi-sports pitch in the Fair Green properly provides opportunities for the young people to socialise, meet new friends and have fun, coaches like me to gain experience and would hopefully bring the people of the town together for a good cause.


While it all sound airy-fairy at the minute, thats where you people come in with postive feedback. No negative nay-saying attitudes please, god knows we've all heard enough of that crap to last a lifetime....


Thanks for reading this


Darren

louis346789

hi darren. good idea. i have a thirteen and a fifteen year old. count them in.

Atomic Pineapple

I'm guessing insurance is the major sticking point on things like this, especially if your catering for younger children I believe it can be quite expensive. Although in saying that isn't the pitch open and freely available for anyone to use? If so it should be insured.

dw_newtown

well darren thanks for the reply, im still awaiting the reply of the ardee town council to my proposal. Insurance will be a sticking point because i could just start this thing this evening but i'd be afraid that something would happen and put me in ****.

Anyone got a email contact for a Ardee Town Councillor?

dw_newtown

Sorry Donal LOL:D

Atomic Pineapple

dw_newtown wrote: »

well darren thanks for the reply, im still awaiting the reply of the ardee town council to my proposal. Insurance will be a sticking point because i could just start this thing this evening but i'd be afraid that something would happen and put me in ****.

Anyone got a email contact for a Ardee Town Councillor?

Have you had any contact with them? Might be best to give them a call and make sure they hear you out - Tel: +353 (0) 41 685 8191

dw_newtown

Cheers d, i think I'll wait until the New Year to make a formal approach with a definite timaescale and more details. Until then I'm waiting to get some more feedback...my idea isn't exactly catching the imagination!:(

dw_newtown

Hey folks its been a while for this but i was wondering if this would still be a runner, the hype that will come from the aftermath of the Euros is a big opportunity to do something worthwhile and memorable like a Euro 2012 themed 5 a side tournament?

Would anyone be interested in helping out?