Newcastle Town FC’s first Soccer Summer Camp of the summer was a fantastic success, with over 100 boys and girls attending. Newcastle coach Johnny Harbinson said: “Everyone, including the coaches, had a brilliant week. The sunny weather obviously helped, but sometimes it is almost too warm, and I would like to thank Patrick Maginn from Quinn’s Bar for providing free bottles of water to keep everyone hydrated,” he added.
The Soccer Summer Camps cater for boys and girls aged 4–14 and run from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, at Donard Park, Newcastle. The emphasis is on learning new skills, having fun, and making new friends. Guest coach, former Northern Ireland international and Manchester United and Chelsea player Mal Donaghy, shared his thoughts: “I really enjoyed my week down in Newcastle and was very pleased with the willingness of the boys and girls to want to learn new skills.” He added, “I have played football in venues all over the world and there are very few places that come close to the backdrop provided by the Mourne Mountains.”
The cost of the camps is just £45 per child, with a second child costing £40, a third £35, and a fourth £30. Application forms are available from the Newcastle Centre as well as a host of other locations across Newcastle.
Newcastle Town Club Chairman Adrian Howard commented: “Our first Summer Soccer Camp has been absolutely brilliant, and the success is testimony to all the hard work put in by the camp coaches and our volunteers in organising things. I would like to thank everyone for their efforts and, of course, the boys and girls that took part in the camp.”
Adrian also expressed his gratitude to Mal Donaghy for his attendance: “I would particularly like to thank Mal Donaghy, as it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to be coached by someone that played in two World Cup tournaments. However,” he added with a smile, “we had Mal for five days.”
Every child that attends the camps receives a medal and the opportunity to win spot prizes and a £50 voucher for the Toscano Pizzeria. The next Soccer Summer Camp kicks off next Monday (28 July) at Donard Park, Newcastle.
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