Athlone Town Football Club has unveiled plans to create a community football programme, the Athlone Town FC Football Foundation, which will focus on engaging with the community through soccer coaching sessions.
Coaches from the club have already started to visit primary schools in the area - delivering grass roots coaching sessions to the children. There will also be special visits from some of the players who will be bringing the Division One league title with them.
On Saturday January 18 Athlone Town FC will hold a free Football Foundation Fun Day at their stadium in Lissywollen where children can get involved in activities and try out some soccer training for themselves. This event is free and open to all children between the ages of six and 13.
Places are limited but can be secured by calling (090 ) 6480001.
This is only the start of what the club hopes to do - building links with a number of different groups in the community, not just with children, but teenagers and adults of all backgrounds as well.
One of the founders of the Football Foundation, Tim Summerfield, said: “This is all about giving something back to the community. We want the football club to be at the heart of the town.”
Athlone Town FC start training next week as they prepare for their entry to the Premier Division after finishing top of the First Division for the first time in 18 years. This year looks set to be an exciting year for the town both on and off the pitch.
Their first home game will be against Shamrock Rovers on March 14. For more information log on to athlonetownfc.ie
