The schoolboy/schoolgirl season gets underway this weekend for competitive age groups from u12 up. Lots of squads have already returned to training and in the next couple of weeks we will be sharing details on winter training schedule on 3G, Smith O’Briens, St Annes, Clarisford Sand Pitch and other venues. Plus our Academy from u6 to u11 will restart shortly after the schools return.

TRIBE TRIALS

Off the field we have our most important fundraiser of the year fast approaching on Sunday 4th September – Tribe Trials Obstacle Challenge. We need the support of all our members, their families, and the wider community to make this a great day out as well as a fundraising success. This fundraising effort is critical as we build resources to support a new pitch development to cater for our growing numbers. Please play your part, register, volunteer and bring your friends! Register for Tribe Trials on www.loughdergfc.com/products

MEMBERSHIP

With the new season comes the requirement for membership for all. The club rental and maintenance costs have increased by 11.5% this year. Recognizing family finance challenges, our membership fees remain frozen at last year's level. There is an option to pay in full or spread payment over up to 6 monthly payments. Register here: Lough Derg FC | Other (clubzap.com)

LOTTO

Our club lotto has been a vital source of fundraising over the last 2 years. Many thanks to all those who have subscribed. In that time over €10,000 has been paid out to lucky prize winners in Jackpots and Nifty Fifties. The club has benefitted with over €20,000 being raised to be invested back into facilities for our players from across our community. Everyone is a winner. Thanks for your continued support. If you’d like to subscribe or your previous subscription lapsed (happens when your card expires) please take a few minutes to subscribe on Lough Derg FC - Home - Our Grassroots

PRICELESS
I’m conscious that a lot of what has been mentioned above is about cost. Over the past few days I experienced first hand the value and magic of grassroots football in Lough Derg FC. Thursday night, first session back with the u15 soccer sisters and their energy, comraderie and love of the game was magic. Friday Night Football in Clarisford, a cracking junior game in front of a raucous home crowd. Saturday morning 3G open blitzes with future stars from as young as 6 up to 12 giving an expo of talent in small-sided games. Over to Portroe for a Youths challenge on Saturday evening where the crew I’ve been coaching for the last dozen years have truly come of age, from boys to men, and fine footballers too. Sunday afternoon with the long trip to Clodiagh for a junior B game, our newest club squad, blending youth and experience, and the compulsory chicken roll on the way home. You can add up the cost of the membership, the diesel, the lotto subs, and even the chicken roll. But the overall value of playing with your mates, representing your club and community, fitness, fun and friendship and scoring the odd banger? Priceless.

Here’s to a fantastic new season at Lough Derg FC. We’ve said it before, teamwork makes the dream work. And we can’t do it without you.