Dublin Bus NDSL Football Academy

Tuesday 1^st June 2010

Congratulations are extended to the NDSL Under 11 Celtic International Cup squad on their fine performance in the tournament in Scotland last week. The Boys defeated their Scottish hosts Dumfries & Galloway in their first game by three goals to two. Their second game was the "Irish Derby" game against Belfast which they won by the only goal of the game. The final game against the Isle of Man was their best performance with a three goals to one victory. The Celtic International Cup will be held next year in May in Dublin.

The Academy Number One Club Awards night was held during the week following another successful year. Great credit is due here to Dave Martin, Richard Fitzgibbon and the crew for their excellent work carried out with the goalkeepers throughout the season. While there was a number of awards, top award being the Packie Bonner Shield, handed out on the night, each and every goalkeeper who took part in the programme are the real winners. The Number One Club is scheduled to reopen again in September.

The Academy management for 2010/2011 will see a change in leadership as Academy Director, Bob Smith, is expected to take over the role of League Hon. Chairman following the League AGM on Monday night 31st May. The position of Academy Director will then have to be filled. Two nominations have been received. Martin Murray co-founder of the Academy with Bob, who currently holds the position of Director of Football Development in the Academy and Under 15 Development Manager John Farrell are the two nominees for the post. The clubs will make their choice at the AGM.

In cooperation with our Airtricity League of Ireland partners Sporting Fingal F.C. a number of Summer Soccer Camps are being held at the Oscar Traynor Coaching & Development Centre. The package includes a week's coaching from qualified coaches, a special Sporting Fingal/NDSL O'Neill's Camp kit with a free ticket to a Sporting Fingal Airtricity Premier League game plus the opportunity to view the FAI Challenge Cup and all for only €75. The camps are being held from 5th to 9th July; 26th to 30th July and from 16 to 20th August. For further information or to book a place please call the NDSL Office at 01/8483777 or Tony McDermott at 087/3221091

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Thursday 27^th May 2010

The NDSL Under 13 Development squad had a very successful trip to Den Bosch, Holland last week. They played six games winning four and suffering narrow defeats in two games. This was a great experience for this young squad and on their return they were full of praise for Aer Lingus and the customer care extended to them in getting the squad home from Amsterdam despite the Ash. Attention at this age group now turns to their colleagues in the Kennedy Cup squad who are preparing for the blue ribbon tournament of schoolboy football scheduled to be held from 21st to 25th June in Limerick. The North Dublin boys have been drawn in Group 6 with Limerick Desmond League, Athlone and Carlow.

The major success of the week was the five star performance by the Under 14 squad against Galway in the semi final of the SFAI Euro Tab Inter League Cup. After a slow start and going a goal down the NDSL side gradually turned the game around to win by five goals to one. While it may not have been a glowing display the win was achieved and the now face Waterford in the national final which has been fixed for Sunday, 30th May in Ozier Park, Waterford. Kick off is scheduled for 4pm. 

The League Annual General Meeting is on Monday, 31st May in the OTCDC at 8pm. As there will be changes in the League Management this will have an effect on the Academy and we are asking clubs to come along and vote for the candidates of your preference. This is important as the outcome could have a major bearing on future events.

Our Airtricity League of Ireland partners Sporting Fingal F.C. has made a good start to their first season in the Premier Division and we wish them continued success. Their next home game is against Galway United on Saturday, 29th May with a 7.45pm kick off in Morton Stadium; your support is very welcome and will be much appreciated.

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Tuesday 25^th May 2010

Let the Children Play

Parents whose young children play football want their son or daughter to do well. There are important things that parents must avoid doing if their children are to enjoy playing the game. Most parents will tell you that, at sometime or another, they have, often unwittingly, been over enthusiastic or over critical of their off spring when watching them play in a match. If such conduct becomes normal or over exaggerated then it can harm the child's pleasure in football. So the message is encourage but do not go over the top.

Many parents who attend a football match only see their own child. The child is in sharp focus and it means that there can be a biased view of the game. It is natural because parents are protective of their own child; they don't want to see him or her get injured, for example. But it becomes a problem when parents become obsessive and start living the game through their child. They see their child in terms of reflected glory. Their child might score a goal or win the match and he / she can be "misused" by parents in this way.

It is important that parents remember that children's football is a world of its own and should not be compared with other levels of football.  Football at children's level has its own rules that are appropriate such as the size of the pitch or the size of the ball. Therefore parents should not start imagining that their child can emulate older youngsters or the professionals particularly in terms of tactics or vision of the game.

Children play football because they want to have fun or play with their pals. They want to focus on the ball and it is a way of enjoying themselves. Their football can't be treated like the adult game.

Therefore if children are to enjoy football they must be allowed freedom of expression without pressure being applied by parents or coaches. A child's self esteem is very delicate and it is important that this confidence is not destroyed by unnecessary criticism.

As adults we should be helping children to improve and not being abusive or excessively critical when they make a mistake.  Of course if a child is misbehaving then he or she should be reprimanded but there is no point in being negative, the aim must be to help the young player get better. This obviously does not mean that parents stood on the sidelines have to be completely silent during a match. Support in moderation should be the objective. Offer positive guidance and encouragement. Give enthusiastic backing without overdoing things. At the end of the day we all want the children to be happy and we want them to develop a love of the game.

Please take these thoughts on board and consider your own conduct when your child runs out onto the field of play for his or her next game. Do not expect them to be a mixture of Ronaldo, Keane and Berbatov rolled into one. Let your children play, support and motivate them but remember why they are playing and keep your self under control. 

Young Children need encouragement not criticism.  Pushy Adults can ruin a child's enjoyment of the beautiful game.

Bob Smith 

NDSL Football Academy Director

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Tuesday 18^th May 2010

The NDSL Under 11 squad open the Celtic International Cup this year when they line out against hosts Dumfries & Galloway Schools FA on Friday, 21st with an evening kick off in Galabank, the home of Scottish League Club, Annan Athletic F.C. The following day they line out in the morning against Belfast Primary Schools FA and close with their final game against the Isle of Man F.A.

The Under 13 Kennedy Cup squad are preparing for the blue ribbon tournament in schoolboy football scheduled to be held from 21st to 25th June in Limerick. The North Dublin boys have been drawn in Group 6 with Limerick Desmond League, Athlone and Carlow. The Under 15 squad are scheduled to line out in the Foyle Cup in Derry in July. This year's event brings together Hull City, Ferencvaros from Hungary, Fundacion Marcet, a famous Spanish football academy along with Irish League clubs Glentoran, Coleraine, Institute and Lisburn Distillery. This year also sees an increase in schoolboy league sides from the Republic. North Dublin is joined by North Eastern Counties, Waterford, Donegal and Inishowen. The Foyle Cup this year should prove to be well worth a visit.  Make a note in your diary it starts on 20th July with the final on Saturday 24th July.

Our Airtricity League of Ireland partners Sporting Fingal F.C. has made a good start to their first season in the Premier Division and we wish them continued success. Their next home game is against Galway United on Saturday, 29th May with a 7.45pm kick off in Morton Stadium; your support is very welcome and will be much appreciated.

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Tuesday 11^th May 2010

Congratulations to all of the Academy players who lined out for their clubs in the recent NDSL Cup Finals. It was very encouraging to see so many Academy players playing their role for their club in the blue ribbon event. Players from eight to eighteen years of age showed off their skills in some very entertaining games.

The NDSL Under 14 squad is now preparing to face Galway in the SFAI Inter League, Euro Tab Cup Semi Final, scheduled for Sunday 16th May with a 2pm kick off in the Oscar Traynor Coaching & Development Centre. The winners face either Cork or Waterford who play in the other semi final. The players of the Under 11 squad are currently packing their bags for their adventure to play in the Celtic International Cup which this year is hosted by Dumfries & Galloway in Scotland from 21st to 23rd May. The North Dublin boys will face their hosts in the opening game on Friday, 21st with an evening kick off in Galabank, the home of Scottish League Club, Annan Athletic F.C. The following day they line out in the morning against Belfast Primary Schools FA and close with their final game against the Isle of Man F.A.

The Under 13 panel have divided into two squads with one preparing for the SFAI Kennedy Cup in Limerick, 21st to 25th June and the other scheduled to play a tournament in Den Bosch, Holland flying out on Thursday 13th May. The "Dutch" squad completed their preparation with a respectable one-one draw away to Wexford in Bunclody last week.

Our Airtricity League of Ireland partners Sporting Fingal F.C. has made a good start to their first season in the Premier Division and we wish them continued success. Their next home game is against St. Patrick's Athletic on Friday 14th May with a 7.45pm kick off in Morton Stadium; your support is very welcome and will be much appreciated.

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Tuesday 4^th May 2010

The North Dublin Under 13 squad arrived home from their Merseyside trip in high spirits after two fine wins over Tranmere and Liverpool. On their return the excitement was enhanced when the squad for the SFAI Kennedy Cup in Limerick, 21st June to 25th June inclusive, was announced. Players who did not travel to Merseyside have an opportunity to assist with their development as they play in a tournament in Holland in mid May.

The Under 14 squad is now preparing to face Galway in the SFAI Inter League, Euro Tab Cup Semi Final, scheduled for Sunday 16th May with a 2pm kick off in the Oscar Traynor Coaching & Development Centre. The winners face either Cork or Waterford who play in the other semi final on Sunday 9th May at 2pm in the RSC, Waterford.

Following on from the inaugural Rocara Cross Border Cups played last August between the NDSL Premier League Winners and the Northern Ireland Boys F.A. Cup winners in Dublin this year the games are scheduled to be played on Saturday 21st August in Newcastle, Co. Down. This is an additional reward for NDSL clubs who capture their Premier League title. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks from the League office.

Our Airtricity League of Ireland partners Sporting Fingal F.C. has made a decent start to their first season in the Premier Division and we wish them continued success. Their next home game is against Bray Wanderers on Tuesday 4th May with a 7.45pm kick off in Morton Stadium followed by an away game against Drogheda on Friday 7th. Your support for both of these games is very welcome and will be much appreciated.

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Tuesday 27^th April 2010

The Under 11 NDSL Celtic International Squad was announced this week and they are now all looking forward to the tournament in Scotland next month. The Celtic International Cup is hosted this season by Dumfries & Galloway in Scotland from 21st to 23rd May. The North Dublin boys will face their hosts in the opening game on Friday, 21st with an evening kick off in Galabank, the home of Scottish League Club, Annan Athletic F.C. The following day they line out in the morning against Belfast Primary Schools FA and close with their final game against the Isle of Man. The squad will travel by coach from the OTCDC and a limited number of seats are available to parents.

The Under 13 Kennedy Cup is again in Limerick from 21st to 25th June inclusive and the NDSL squad will be announced in the coming days following their return from games against Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool Schools FA. In May players who have not been included in the UK trip are scheduled to participate in a tournament in Holland.

The Academy and the League extends their congratulations to Conor Pepper, Portmarnock FC, on his inclusion in the Irish Under 16 squad playing in Belgium this week. "Peppy" is a strong mid field player with a bright future and we know he will wear the green jersey with pride.

NDSL Airtricity partners Sporting Fingal FC will beholding a Soccer Skills School in conjunction with the NDSL each Thursday evening, in the Oscar Traynor Coaching and Development Centre from 6.30pm to 8pm for boys and girls age 7 to 12 years old. Cost is € 5.00 per evening. Please contact Tony at 087/3221091 or the Office at 8483777 for further information or to reserve a place.

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Tuesday 20^th April 2010

The SFAI Leinster Region Under 14 Final between Dundalk and NDSL in Oriel Park, Dundalk on Wednesday evening, last 14th April resulted in a three goals to nil win for the North Dublin boys. They now face the winners from Ulster /Connaught either Donegal or Galway in the National Semi Final. The NDSL lined out without their top striker Sam O'Connor who was on international duty with Ireland in Holland. For the NDSL Patrick Mboyo gave a commanding performance in the middle of the park and captain Jamie Walsh, without his international strike partner, lead the line well up front. Edi Vlas was introduced during the second half and his presence was always a danger to the home side. Nathan Murphy making his competitive debut in goal produced a solid performance. Two goals from mid-fielder Paddy Ellis either side of half time and the third from Kevin Lee gave the NDSL a well deserved victory.

The Under 13 panel as part of their preparation for the SFAI Kennedy Cup in Limerick in June travel to the UK next week to play Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool Schools FA. It is envisaged that the squad for Limerick will be announced on their return. Another panel in the final stages of assessments is the Under 11s. They travel to the Celtic International Cup hosted this season by Dumfries & Galloway in Scotland from 21st to 23rd May. The North Dublin boys will face their hosts in the opening game on Friday, 21st with an evening kick off in Galabank, the home of Scottish League Club, Annan Athletic F.C. The following day they line out in the morning against Belfast Primary Schools FA and close with their final game against the Isle of Man.

NDSL Airtricity partners Sporting Fingal FC will beholding a Soccer Skills School in conjunction with the NDSL each Thursday evening, in the Oscar Traynor Coaching and Development Centre from 6.30pm to 8pm for boys and girls age 7 to 12 years old. Cost is € 5.00 per evening. Please contact Tony at 087/3221091 or the Office at 8483777 for further information or to reserve a place.

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Tuesday 13^th April 2010

The SFAI Leinster Region Under 14 Final is this year between Dundalk and NDSL. The game is scheduled for a 7.30pm kick off in Oriel Park, Dundalk on Wednesday evening, 14th April. This should be a very close encounter as both sides over the past number of years have been very evenly matched. Dundalk are possibly the slight favorites as they have home advantage and the NDSL will be without their top striker Sam O'Connor who is away on international duty.

NDSL Airtricity partners Sporting Fingal FC will beholding a Soccer Skills School each Thursday evening, commencing on 15th in the Oscar Traynor Coaching and Development Centre from 6.30pm to 8pm for boys and girls age 7 to 12 years old. Cost is € 5.00 per evening. Please contact Tony at 087/3221091 or the Office at 8483777 for further information or to reserve a place.

The Good Friday Pre Kennedy Cup Tournament was again a great success with the honours going west after a very enjoyable day of football. The NDSL opened the proceedings with a win over Dundalk. This was followed by Donegal overcoming Galway. The NDSL then drew with Galway while Dundalk beat Donegal which left the route to the final open to all going into the final series of games. Galway produced a stunning performance in defeating a tired Dundalk side while Donegal just over came the NDSL which resulted in a Galway versus Donegal final. Galway having come good in the final group game reproduced a classic performance in defeating a gallant Donegal in the final. It was along hard day of good football and each team taking part deserved the credit awarded to them by Martin Murray, NDSL Director of Football Development, as he presented the cup to the winning team from the city of the tribes. 

Dublin Bus NDSL Football Academy

Tuesday 6^th April 2010

The SFAI Inter League, Euro Tab Cup, Leinster Region, Under 14 Final, between Dundalk and NDSL is now scheduled to be played in Oriel Park, Dundalk, on Wednesday, 14th April with a 7.30pm kick off. The runners up face a quick turnaround as they will be scheduled on 17/18 April to host the Munster Runners up in a play off for a National Semi Final place at home against the Munster winners. The Leinster winners are at home in the National semi final scheduled for 24/25 April against the Ulster/Connaught winners.

The SFAI Inter League, Under 16 Paul O'Neill Cup, brings the NDSL to Waterford on weekend of 17/18 April in a play off with a reward of a home fixture in the National semi final against the Munster winners scheduled for weekend of 24/25 April.

The Under 11 Celtic International Cup is being held this year in Scotland over the week end of 21st to 23rd May. The NDSL is currently going through the squad selection process. Their opponents in May will be Isle of Man, Belfast and Dumfries and Galloway. The Under 13 panel is being split in two with one squad travelling to a tournament in Holland in April and the other squad travelling to the UK in May where they will play Tranmere Rovers and the Liverpool Schools FA.

Our Airtricity partners Sporting Fingal FC will be holding a Soccer Skills School each Thursday evening in the Oscar Traynor Coaching and Development Centre from 6.30pm to 8pm for boys and girls age 7 to 12 years old. Cost is € 5.00 per evening. To book a place, please contact Tony at 087/3221091 or the Office at 8483777 for further information or to reserve a place.