Eamon Curry enjoying key role at Larne

STRABANE man Eamon Curry has become part of arguably one of the most ambitious projects and clubs in local football.

Curry, a former Tyrone SuperCupNI manager, has been employed as a tutor/coach, at the first full-time club-based football academy in Northern Ireland.

Since the takeover by local businessman Kenny Bruce back in 2017 it’s been onwards and upwards for Larne Football Club, who are currently second in the Danske Bank Premiership.

The club’s fortunes have been transformed by the founder of Purplebricks online estate agency. There had been major ground redevelopment, the first team has gone full-time professional and the recently-established academy is seen as the next step in Larne’s bid to become one of the biggest clubs in the country.

Needless to say when Curry, the former manager of Strabane Athletic, was asked would he be interested in coming on board he jumped at the opportunity.

“It all happened very quickly if I’m honest,” said Curry.

“I had been interviewed for job last year and pulled out of the running because of travel difficulties and the fact that my personal circumstances had changed at that particular time.

“So then when the company I work for LLS Online was getting involved with setting up the first full-time academy at Larne I received a call from Emmett Clerkin saying that there was a position going and that I would ideal for the job.

“I have managed, coached, was a qualified teacher and had been involved with the NI U18 Schoolboys.

“I wanted to be sure it was right for me and that there was a pathway for students to attain a recognised qualification to go on to university.

“There are 22 lads enrolled in the programme working towards a BTEC Extended Diploma and five days a week they get educated in the morning and train in the afternoon. I’m essentially a tutor but get involved in some of the coaching sessions as well.

“It’s an exciting development, there is a great buzz around it and things are done properly. Things are done as close to the English academy model as possible.”

FULL STORY IN YESTERDAY’S STRABANE CHRONICLE