We kicked off our summer camp 2018 with a visit from the FAI and their Festival of Football initiative. First off their bus was FAI President Tony Fitzgerald immediately followed by FAI, CEO John Delaney. As the rest of the FAI Entourage which included former Irish Internationals Stephen Hunt and Stephen Kelly and current Ireland women’s International players Amber Barrett and Amanda Budden disembarked one by one, they were welcomed to Ballyadam with a warm reception as children, Parents, coaches, Managers and committee members gathered around together and applauded each person off the bus. As the kids went back to their camp both Stephen’s, Hunt and Kelly moved around to each age group of the camp, they joined in the games to the kids enjoyment, and giving words of advice and encouragement to all. While Amber and Amanda joined in with another group who where in the middle of a match both teams getting an international player on their sides. The game all of a sudden took a competitive edge, as the children were eager to show the ladies all their skills. Meanwhile Carrigtwohill United Chairman, Martin Jones and some members of the committee showed the FAI Delegates around the Ballyadam grounds. On site was Ollie Sheehan former Chairman of Carrigtwohill community council, he was on hand to show case the town to the FAI, with a wonderful screening on the town who won the national title of Pride of Place 2017.
Head coach Fred Adam gave a display of different formations and tactics with his team and involving the two Stephens to the display of attack v defence.
We also had League of Ireland referee Graham Kelly who gave a fantastic display of equipment that match officials use on match days. Graham gave a full and very informative talk and display to each age group, even explaining the “Offside Trap”. Well down Graham and thank you.
As the club held an open morning, the kids that were not involved in the camp there was a giant inflatable obstacle course an inflatable penalty shootout game and giant snakes and ladders games. While there was plenty of cake and refreshments for the parents .There where photo opportunities throughout with all the FAI delegation and players. Before leaving there were a few speeches and presentations .Chairman Martin Jones thanked John Delaney who presented a cheque for €2,500 to the club. While the club made a presentation to retiring FAI President and Cork man Tony Fitzgerald as a way of saying thank you for all what he has down for the club and football in Ireland. The chairman went on to thank the clubs four main sponsors Carrigtwohill Pharmacy, Thairish, Shipping Solutions and The Guilders Bar. He also went on to thank Hurley Supervalu in Midleton who supplied a fantastic cake on the day as well as their continual support to the club and all our partnership sponsors. The Chairman also thanked all the clubs members, parents, coaches and committee members.It was a great occasion for the club and all involved in the summer camp one I’m sure will live long in the memory.
