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MAY 2003

23-May-03

The Youth Development Office has now relocated to where "The Kabin" was at the rear of the South Stand. YDO David Chisholm would like to thank Tommy Harrison and Marty Wright for their assistance in the move.

David would also like to thank sponsors Discount Blinds (Stephen Dickson) and Stewarts' Carpets on the Crumlin Road. Your continued support of these local businesses is encouraged.

19-May-03

Lots of updates today...

MINI-SOCCER

• During April, Linfield YDO David Chisholm took 3 weeks of Mini-Soccer in Edenbrook PS.
  
  
• During May David will be taking M-S in Belvoir PS, and in the post-primary sector, Wellington College and Victoria College.
  
  
• Linfield defender William Murphy has now completed his M-S Leader's award and has taken the first step on the coaching ladder. The YDO hopes to have Winkie on board in the future to provide M-S coaching.
  
  
• The M-S League at Finaghy PS has now ended. The winners of the tournament were Taughmonagh PS, under the Managerment of Kathy McCoy.
  
  Medals were provided to each of the participants by Linfield striker David Larmour.
  
  The YDO would like top express his thanks to Mrs Ruth White of Finaghy PS for her co-operation and commitment in the project.
  
  
• Linfield's first Mini-Soccer Centre will be set up at Belvoir BB Recreation Centre. The M-S Centre will run for 4 Saturdays starting 7 June. The scheme will begin at 11am for one hour of coaching. The cost is just £1 each day, and the Centre will run for boys and girls at primary school aged between 6 and 11 years old. No registration is needed in advance - just turn up on the day.
  
  Coaching will be delivered by a minimum of 3 Linfield coaches and 6 Belvoir Colts coaches.

FITC

• The recent Easter Festival was a hugh success with all 40 available places being filled
  
  
• A Summer Camp will run between 18-22 August from 11am to 3pm each day. The Camp will take place at Midgely Park at a cost of £25. Each participant will receive a free Umbro package - which includes boot bag, shin guards, water bottle, ball and T-shirt.
  
  The Camp is for 6-12 year olds with a maximum of 60 places available. Some places have already gone to those who attended the Easter Festival.
  
  Book now to avoid disappointment. Please contact David Chisholm or the Sports Shop on 028 9024 4198.
  
  
• A women's soccer team has agreed to come into the Linfield FC family under the name of WFC Linfield. More information of the team currently playing in the top division of the National League will be released in due course.
  
  In support of WFC Linfield, an under-14 development scheme will be established. Trials will be held in the Autumn, and more details on these can be obtained from the YDO on 028 9024 4198.

C of E

• The Centre of Excellence has now finished for the season. However the u-10s and u-12s are completing their preparation for the Top OSS Cup on the Dutch/German border. When there, the boys will face teams from Holland, Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Spain and Denmark to name but a few. The competition runs from the 29 May - 1 June.
  
  Details of results will be posted on the website to keep everyone informed of their progress.
  
  On 17 May, the two teams travelled to Armagh to take part in some warm-up games against older boys. The YDO would like to express his thanks to Gary Hamilton and Michael McKeown for setting this up.
  
  There will be a meeting with the parents on 24 May to finalise details.
  
  Pepsi are sponsoring the trip including travel and accommodation. Two former Linfield players will also be joining the travelling party - Tommy McDonald and Robert Robinson, who continue to coach at the FDC.
  
  
• A re-structuring of the C of E will take place in September. The YDO will retain overall control and responsibility. John Spence (UEFA 'A') will become Head Coach. Colin Gallagher (ex-Linfield Swifts and Rangers player) will become Chief Scout. John Hutchinson will become Administrative Officer.
  
  There will also be 8 IFA Licensed coaches.
  
  
• The YDO would like to acknowledge the support of C&C and Pepsi, because without it the C of E would simply not happen.