About an hour or so after I write this every Wednesday evening, you’ll find me on a muddy pitch, shouting orders with my fellow coaches, at two dozen U-12 footballers as they lash into one another. We are just one group of thousands who do this a few times a week, up and down the country. Instilling a love of football into those in our charge, in the hope that they get as much enjoyment out of it as we did when we chased a ball up and down a pitch.
Part of what inspires us is the grá that we all had for it, and knowing their disappointment that ensues if it has to be postponed, as has happened so many times in recent weeks because of the weather.
A love of football is something that lasts the ages — A few weeks ago when it seemed that all structure of underage football were at risk of being dismantled, the prospect seemed terrible. It seemed as if an entire generation of footballers, perhaps the most technically-gifted generation we have ever produced, were about to be cast aside and have their development stilted by the collapse of the coaching structure. I know many coaches who inspire and motivate their young charges — inspiring those who are talented to be the very best they can and inspiring everyone to be thankful for the participation. To lose the services of these coaches would have been devastating. Thankfully, a corner has been turned (and cleared with a thumping header ).
Here in the west, we are fortunate to have clear pathways for footballers to follow their dream and heroes. Galway WFC have shown the extent of their talent by winning trophies on not just a national, but an international level. Their U-17 team went to Portugal and defeated Benfica last autumn. I know their coaches and can vouch for the dedication and determination they have to make sure that every player gets to play to the extent of their ability. Their season kicks off in a few weeks.
So too with Galway United. Last year, our youthful team put up a good showing but they were ultimately up against teams who had more resources. Tomorrow night, we start the new season as genuine contenders to be table-toppers at season’s end.
This year, they have recruited well to add to that talented nucleus that Alan Murphy has put together. And this is where we all come in.
We need to build up heroes for our young sports fans. It is heartwarming to see our hurlers and Gaelic footballers embrace young fans for autographs after games. It is important that children can see players from their own areas going on to to play for either Galway WFC or Galway United.
Tomorrow Galway United kick off their new season with a home game against old rivals Athlone Town. Bring along your family to see the game; get to know the players; learn their names so that connections can be made.
I well remember my first games at the then Terryland Park, eventually watching in awe the man after whom the ground would be ultimately named. Create a new generation of heroes, show a new generation a pathway to a life of loving football. See you on the Dyke Road as Galway football heads back to the big time.
