About Clooney Soccer School

In February 2009, Ally Colhoun, Craig Hamilton and David Hider got together to talk about starting up a soccer school for children between the ages of 5 and 16 years old. Growing up in Clooney Estate there was very little for children to do; yes, there is a football pitch but it has been allowed to run down over the years. Ally and Craig grew up in Clooney in the 70's and 80's and there wasn't much happening then either. Dave Hider was born in the city but spent most of his childhood in England. Dave was a very enthusiastic footballer as a young boy and progressed into the Southampton Youth Academy. As he developed into senior status he continued to be involved in football and holds a UEFA 'C' license as a coach. Ally Colhoun has also had an extensive involvement in football both as a player and a manager. He holds a Level One IFA coaching award and has been coaching young people for more than ten years.

In the month of February 2009 we enquired through different agencies as to how we could start up a Soccer School in the Waterside of Derry/Londonderry. Initially the main organisations who helped us were the IFA, (giving us guidelines for Soccer Clubs) and Ebrington Primary School (for the use of their playing fields). On securing the playing fields at Ebrington School we decided to advertise for committee members for the new venture. After a period of a few weeks a committee consisting of parents and coaching staff were elected and the name Clooney Soccer School adopted. The committee got to work on agreeing a logo for the new soccer school and opted for the crest which Dave Hider designed and which can been seen on the web page. The logo represents the Four street names in Clooney Estate as in Shearwater, Curlew, Lapwing and Heron Way which makes it instantly recognisable.

One of the main considerations for the committee was to establish links in the local community with businesses and to look at ways of accessing support to get equipment and kits as well as recognition. On advice from Kevin Doherty (IFA Grassroots Development Officer for Derry City Council area) and with his continuing help, we contacted the local McDonald's outlet. They have proceeded to support Clooney Soccer School by giving us equipment, coaching development support and publicity. It was in partnership with McDonald's that we held our official launch on 28th March 2009. We have already begun to increase the number of coaches with both male and females taking part in recent Grassroots Introductory courses. We hope to develop this further to provide a varied range of coaching abilities and skills for all our age groups.

It is the ongoing aim of Clooney Soccer School and its committee as a cross-community youth football club, to offer boys and girls from all backgrounds the opportunity to be coached in and play football in a safe, controlled and fun environment and develop fitness/well-being. It is hoped that this new Soccer School will continue to grow and that more young people will join. To date, we have received many testimonials from parents and children alike, confirming their enjoyment at being involved with Clooney Soccer School.