Young Lions Soccer School ended the 2017/2018 season in glorious sunshine in Moate last Saturday, which also culminated in the final touches being put to the coaching trip of a lifetime for 25 lucky boys from the Midland counties of Ireland.
On May 14, with their fathers and coaches, they will commence a five-day coaching programme at the world famous Ajax Soccer Academy in Amsterdam. They will work with the academy’s top coaches and to round the trip-off they will play two local club sides in challenge-games at U13 level. The two teams are captained by Westmeath lads: Cillian Rochford of Kilbeggan FC and Shane Cully of Mullingar Athletic FC.
The playing squad is made up of players from across Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare and Roscommon. They range in age from nine to 13 years. The majority of players are playing U12 football with their respective clubs.
Director of coaching Leigh Feery says he and his brilliant team of coaches are delighted with the way training has progressed, and commended the attention and dedication of the players each Saturday.
The new Young Lions Summer Soccer School will kick-off on June 9 for 10 weeks. It is completely booked out and a waiting list is now in place for children ranging in age from five to 13 years.