Young footballers score a first with prestigious award

YOUNG footballers from north Tyrone have scored a first by netting a prestigious nationwide award.

Sion Swifts under-13s have become the first team from the North to win the Nationwide Mutual Respect Award which is aiming to help make grassroots football in Northern Ireland even more respectful and positive.

The young Sion Swifts are doing a phenomenal job of promoting equality and respect this season by having a strong blend of boys and girls in not just weekly training but in their league and cup matches.

Traditionally this age group was dominated by boys but this season the girls are playing a leading role in everything they do. As a result, the entire squad is building respect for each other, regardless of gender, and displaying regular respect for opposition, coaches and referees.

On a few occasions the squad has experienced both heavy wins and defeats but the young players always displayed respect for the opposition, showing good grace and sportsmanship regardless of the result.

Mutual respect and “we only do positive” are very important concepts to the group so they are talked about it at every training session and match and the kids enjoy the game even more because of it.

Manager Chris Brown said everyone at the club was delighted that his team had landed the prestigious accolade.

“We are delighted to be the first ever recipients of this incredibly prestigious award,” he said.

“Respect for each other is at the heart of everything we do at Sion Swifts Football Club and we’re very proud that the hard work and commitment of the coaches and players has been acknowledged in this very high-profile way. Providing a fun, safe environment for the kids to play the game they love is very important to our entire coaching team and it is paying dividends as the 2013 group has massively increased its membership with players coming from all over Tyrone to participate.”

Club chairperson Kevin Boyle, added, “Sion Swifts has more than 330 registered players ranging from our U5s to senior level with a further 200+ players in our sister club, Sion Swifts Ladies and Girls FC so it’s important they all feel welcome and respected.”

This brand-new quarterly Nationwide award recognises outstanding contributions, achievements and behaviour in grassroots football across the country by young players under 18, coaches, teams, parents and referees.

Stephen Bogle, Head of Sales and Marketing for the Irish FA said, “We’re delighted to launch this new quarterly award alongside Nationwide.
“We’re looking for nominations right across the game from players to coaching staff to volunteers and the parents that selflessly give up their time for their local club. So no matter if its on or off the pitch we would encourage everyone to nominate their grassroots respect hero today and get them the recognition they deserve”.

Nationwide Building Society’s Paul Hibbs added, “We are thrilled to partner with The Irish FA to bring to life the Nationwide Mutual Respect Awards and recognise outstanding contributions in Northern Ireland’s grassroots football.”