This article is from page 104 of the 2009-03-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 104 JPG
A FOUNDING club in the Clare Soccer League has joined forces with a founder member of the Eng- lish Football League in a move that could pave the way for professional soccer careers for the cream of its underage talent.
Lifford AFC, the only Clare club to produce three schoolboy internation- als has linked up with Notts County in a venture that will give its play- ers direct access to the English club’s School of Excellence.
“It’s an exciting departure for the club,’ says Lifford chairman John O’Neul. “In the past we produced schoolboy internationals like David Ryan, Alan Brooks and Gary Flynn, so in the future if we have players who might be good enough to pursue professional careers, this link with Notts County gives them a chance. It will be for Lifford players only,” adds O’ Neill.
The link up between the two clubs has come about through Lifford head coach Mick Kennedy’s friendship with Notts County’s Mick Leonard, who comes to Clare this week to for- malise the new arrangement. Both began their professional playing ca- reers together at Halifax Town.
“Players coming through the ranks of Lifford will be given a chance with Notts County. Mick Kennedy (picutred below) will be responsible for assessing and coaching the play- ers, and Notts County will take them on,’ says O’Neill.
The relationship between the two clubs is being seen as the next step in Lifford’s development. It comes in a decade that has already seen the club purchase and develop one of the best soccer grounds at this level of the game at Cassidy Park in Drumcliffe.