This article is from page 29 of the 2008-09-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 29 JPG
PREMIER League football comes to West Clare this November with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur. Coach- ing staff from the north London club will descend on the village of Mul- lagh on November 7 and 8 for two days of coaching clinics.
In a significant development for soccer in the Banner County, Spurs are linking up with local club West Clare United. It is the first time that the English Premier League club has entered into such a partnership agreement with an Irish club.
There are already plans for further events next year with some of the club’s star names expected to visit
Mullagh as part of the Tottenham Hotspur roadshow, planned for July AU
Needless to say excitement is al- ready building in Mullagh. Tom Egan, one of the founding members of West Clare United says anticipa- tion is already at fever pitch.
‘“T had rang them earlier in the year and we only just received confirma- tion that they were going to come over. It’s been great since we’ve heard. The kids have been out prac- ticing before they go to school. It’s a major boost for soccer in West Clare and for soccer in Clare in general.” Tom continued, “There is going to be members of the coaching staff and the head of the Youth Development,
Paul Griffiths coming over.
All the places are already gone for the coaching clinics, its booked solid. It’s a great boost for soccer.”
West Clare United were set up eight months ago. The club is based at the Community Sports Field in Mul- lagh. The club draws its members from Cooraclare, Cree, Doonbeg, Mullagh, Quilty, Milltown Malbay, Kilmihil, Inagh.
“We have over 100 children in- volved in the club and are delighted with the phenomenal response we have received in getting the club off the ground in an area which would by many have been viewed as aGAA stronghold’, added Tom.
This season the club fielded teams
at under 11 and under 13 with both sides performing strongly in the re- spective leagues.
Tom continued “The committee of the sports field in Mullagh have been wonderful in helping us organize Training and match days and main- tained the pitch in great condition which has been remarked upon by all who have played on it. Our sin- cere thanks go out to them for all eles Dum atsah ome