Two Transition Year students from Donabate Community College, Emma Higgins and Leah Brogan, are working hard to receive their Bronze Gaisce award by helping out coaching at St Ita’s Football Club in the girls’ academy.
In order to attain the Gaisce Award, they must take part in many tasks including personal skills, physical recreation and community involvement. The girls chose to do their community involvement in St. Itas AFC as they both play for the club and enjoy it.
The Academy was set up in September 2016 and has lots of people who help out. It has been extremely popular since. It takes place every Saturday from 9:45am for an hour. They give the girls something fun and exciting to do. The girls’ coaches develop new fun drills and games every week to ensure the girls are always improving their skills while having fun. Myself and Leah lead some of the drills and show the girls tips and tricks to improve their skills. We enjoy getting to know the girls and helping them out when they need it! From getting a chance to experience coaching, myself and Leah will be able to continue and earn our coaching badges which is something we are interested to take part in.
Team sports are a great activity for young people to get involved in as they will make new friends, learn new skills, build their confidence and not to mention it’s great fun! The girls’ academy is for girls aged 5 years and up. St. Itas are currently looking for new players, so if you’re interested in playing girls’ soccer or know someone who is, don’t be shy to come down and try a training session with one of our teams (under 10 to under 16). For more information about the club, feel free to check out their facebook page @stitasgirlsafc.
By Emma Higgins, TY Journalism.