SOCCER CLINICS

Ratoath Harps Soccer Clinics were established to assist in the Fundamental Development in soccer of children in the under 5 to under 8 age groups.

The Clinics run for an hour on Friday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm for under 5s, and on Saturdays 9.30 am to 12:30 Noon for under 7s and under 8s.

The Clinics are divided into two blocks, the first from August to November and the second from February to May. Each block consists of between 14 and 17 sessions.

The Clinics take place on Ratoath Harps state-of-the-art all-weather Astroplay training surface and numbers depend on availability of coaches and facilities. Our first Clinic of the season (August to November) saw 90 children attending. This has risen to 120 participants for our current clinic which runs until May 2006.

Registration fees were €95 for Friday and €60 for Saturday. These fees are used to defray equipment purchase - balls, bibs, upkeep of the all-weather facility etc.

The Clinics consist of coaching in Fundamental Level movement skills, running, jumping and throwing techniques, using the ABC of athletics. This is provided within a well-structured programme, using a positive and fun approach to Soccer skills development. We believe that programmes of this nature are essential to the development of soccer skills in the future.

There are between 4 and 6 coaches for each of the Clinics, depending on numbers attending each session. Our coaches have been selected for their ability and coaching qualifications and all are qualified to coach at this level. All the coaches coach other teams and have played with the club at some stage so it is wonderful to see senior members re-investing their time into the grass roots development of soccer in Ratoath.

A Code of Conduct has been developed for coaches, parents, children and guests. See the "Our Club" section of this website for further details. All participants are expected to abide by this as first impressions are vital at this early age and it is the most important time in the development of young children.

At this age, it is important for young children to learn the fundamentals of the game and not as much the competitive side of soccer. This attitude seems to be lacking in many teams, clubs and leagues today, but it is an essential part of the Ratoath Harps ethos and objectives. Making sport fun has a major effect on children's willingness to stay in sport through their teenage years.

Noel Farrelly , Head of Coaching.

SOME PHOTOS FROM THE EVER POPULAR SOCCER CLINICS