Unfortunately not too much action on the competitive front, with covid restricting what we can do. Hopefully that’s about to change with restrictions easing. When we get the green light to get back to competitive play, we’ll be ready. Meanwhile, behind the scenes the club is a hive of activity.

Training

Lots of compliant training going on with all underage squads enjoying 2 sessions a week. Saturday morning in particular is boom time down Clarisford way with all squads getting their Super Saturday fix. Let’s stay mindful of traffic congestion and safety first. The “Position Specific Coaching Programme” has run over the last 2 months with great feedback. And in the past couple of weeks up to 24 young goalkeepers have been enjoying specialist coaching with our new goalkeeping coach, James Myers. Super feedback and some very muddy players!

Just a reminder to all members, for lots of reasons - Covid restrictions, insurance and pitch protection to name the biggies, our pitches are not available for games or training other than those sanctioned by club. We appreciate lockdown has been difficult for young members missing competitive action, but we would ask that all refrain from using the pitches other than through approved club activities.

Membership

Membership is open for all age groups. All adult players have completed registration - Thank You. There are a few stragglers in the Youths age groups that need to be resolved before we return to play. With 12s to 16s planned to start competitive league action in December, hopefully, all players training and playing in these age groups must have registration completed before leagues commence. At non-competitive and academy level there are new joiners every week. With everyone enjoying multiple training sessions on grass and astro and games scheduled to recommence shortly, it’s really important that all membership subscriptions are paid up in order to ensure the smooth running of the club. Go to www.loughdergfc.com to buy membership. Remember, you can spread payments over up to 6 months and there are family friendly sibling discounts. If anyone is struggling with membership, please contact Treasurer Liam Crowe or discuss in confidence with your squad coach.

Christmas Stall

December 12th will see a pop up Christmas Stall at Lough Derg FC Academy. You will be able to buy limited branded Lough Derg FC merch / stocking fillers as well as support the club by entering the Christmas Raffle or join the Grassroots Lotto. And don’t forget, if you need club kit you can buy online at https://www.dssports.ie/?s=Lough+Derg+FC with stock items available for quick delivery. In a year where we have had to stay apart, maybe popping by the Christmas stall will give us a chance to say hello face to face. Watch this space for time and details!

New Pitch Vision

With so much going so well at Lough Derg FC, the biggest challenge we face is adding a second pitch to ensure we can provide playing facilities to meet our growing numbers. As a community based club, committed to equal opportunities of participation for all, we never wish to find ourselves in a situation whereby the club is closed to new members or particular types of squads. Adding a 2nd playing pitch is critical for our future. Previous generations in our 18 year history did the heavy lifting to establish our home at Clarisford. A sub group is working on proposals and we have submitted proposals to both the Clare and Tipperary County Development Plan, led by Gary Rowan. Being project ready when a site is secured is our objective and our funding for this programme is through “Our Grassroots Lotto”. Thanks to all our members who support our lotto week in, week out. It allows us plan for a bright future for this generation and generations to come. If you would like to support us in a very meaningful way and are in a position to do so, please subscribe through https://www.ourgrassroots.ie/club/loughdergfc Perhaps you would like to gift a lotto subscription to a grassroots football fan in your life...

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the next best time is now” Help us plant that tree!

Thanks for your continued support, on the pitch, off the pitch, from the side-lines and via our grassroots lotto. In an extraordinary year it’s really a great example of teamwork makes the dream work!