Lots going on behind the scenes as the new football season approaches.

MERGER ON ICE

The planned merger of the juvenile club with our friends in Birdhill has hit a blocker and won’t be proceeding at this point. We respect the member decision of our friends in Birdhill AFC and look forward to continued good relationships with our neighbouring club.

JUNIORS LIMERICK BOUND

The junior season is fast approaching. In order to provide a pathway from our very successful Schoolboy set-up to adult football, we have taken the tough decision to move our Youth and Junior squads to compete in the Limerick District League. A critical mass of clubs and players in that league means more football for our players and for youths they will play at the appropriate age group. Last year's jump from u16s to u19s proved too wide a gap, resulting in a big loss of Youth Players from Lough Derg FC. We will miss our friends from the football community around North Tipperary and District League. There are no bad feelings and no bridges burned. We look forward to new sporting adventures in Limerick City and beyond and welcoming new visitors to Clarisford Park. Adult Junior training is back in readiness for the new season which commences on 15th August. All are welcome to attend.

FRENCH CONNECTION

Last weekend there was an international flavour down Clarisford way. With the town of Ballina twinning with the town of Basse-Goulaine from near Nantes in France, we hosted the twinning committee to deepen cultural and sporting connections. With Lough Derg FC schoolboys having been hosted in France for top-quality tournaments pre covid, we are committed to recommencing these sporting exchange opportunities and will be exploring sporting opportunities where players visit both countries. This is a wonderful opportunity for young footballs to enjoy first-rate international sport, experience a different culture and get in some practice for French orals. Any squad interested in learning more should contact Ray Hickey.

COYGIG

World Cup fever is hotting up as the Girls In Green fly the flag in Australia and New Zealand. We got the party started with a Watch Party in Flanagans for the opener. Here's wishing the Vera’s army go a long way and more parties to follow.

SUMMER CAMPS

Camp One had 90 happy campers in early July. Camp two is this week and camp three is in August. We chose to run the camps ourselves this year to ensure 270 kids get kitted out in the Lough Derg FC colours, giving them the gear they need to wear the colours with pride all season long. Thanks to the club members who have taken on the organisation and coaching duties to give the kids a great football, fitness and friendship experience. For any camp queries, talk to Stuart Barber.

AGM

AGM was held in June. With strong continuity, a new committee is in place to take the club forward to the new season. Who is doing what will be updated on the website in the coming days.

We bid farewell to Child Protection Officer Fidelma Ward who did an amazing job in her time on the committee. We welcome Frank Tucker on board this year's committee. We do have a current vacancy to fill in the Child Protection role and would welcome applicants. Perhaps people involved in education or childcare would like to contribute to a critical off-the-pitch role. Contact Ray Hickey for info.

MORE GRASSROOTS MAGIC

It might be the closed season for many of our squads but the action never stops. Women's Junior League is in full flow. Some of our squads have been invited to tournaments. Some are back in pre-season with more about to follow. Our youngest stars, the Disney Playmaker Girls attended their first every blitz to mark the milestone of the girls in green first world cup appearance. All these world cup stars were once Soccer Sisters or Disney playmakers. Local grassroots clubs, where the magic starts.

COMING SOON

Membership for new season will open. Prices are fixed at last year's prices. We know there is a cost of living issue and club costs have gone up but we do our very best to deliver value for our players and their families.

Our Club lotto is ongoing. Play your part at Lough Derg FC - Home - Our Grassroots

We also have a Split the Pot fundraiser, kindly supported by all pubs in Killaloe and Ballina. If you are out and about in the twin towns, pop €2 in the envelope to support a great cause. Training schedules for new season will soon be communicated. In no time at all we will be back with a bang!