UPDATE

Training last night:

From a squad of 24 players a very disappointing 11 players turned up last night for our first training session in preparation for 2009/10 season.
Thank you to those who turned up and had a gut busting holiday clear out session with Giles - who took them through a pounding circuit training session for 40 minutes - followed up by a quick 5-a-side game & thank you to Mervyn & Shirley for their attendance.

Guys - I will hear in the next 7 days whether we have been accepted into the IFA U18 Youth League and that will help me get a good strong manager for this squad. We will offer (if accepted) a much higher level of competitive football (look how you succeeded in NIBFA Cup) an opportunity to play later at reserve level and maybe 1st Team level, games in the afternoon (KO 2pm), travel, great coaching, great equipment, great facilities & a total focus on you further developing as fit footballers and young men.

So: I am looking for one thing from you - COMMITMENT
A commitment to Train, a commitment to Compete & a commitment to Communicate
You are either in for this season or you are not & I will contact each and every one you individually to establish what you are doing!
The rules are still the same - 11 players start with 5 subs - with what the Manager believes as the strongest line up - so if you are not going to train, not going to improve on your fitness, stay out late on Friday nights, not eat and drink correctly in preparation for either training or competing & not inform us of your un-availability until the absolute last moment then please re-think your COMMITMENT to this club and be honest with me.

No other Youth Football team in Northern Ireland would have started pre-season training like we did last night so please keep up to date with what's happening (Giles leaves N.Ireland in August & I would love a full squad session with him before he goes)

So:
1) I will contact you all individually to see who is staying and who is going
2) We play Co. Antrim Milk Cup 1992 squad on Thursday 23rd July (are you available?)
3) During August: Training will be twice a week & some weeks 3 times (Tues/Thurs & Saturday)
4) During July I will liaise with current coaches to see who is available and what dates are suitable for training (obviously I realise that holidays are coming and that families will be away-please let us know if you are away & when you return) - {Danny K, Jamie F & Peter McN away during all of July}
5) I will let you know of our application to IFA - & subsequent Manager appointment

There is no training this Saturday 4th or Thursday 9th July - please keep an eye on this blog-spot for further news.

Clive.

U18 TRAINING - THURSDAY 2nd JULY

U18

Training resumes this Thursday night - 2nd July 2009:
Usual times:
Meet at main entrance car-park at 18:45
Depart at 18:50
GYM ( please bring suitable footwear) from 7 to 8
Astro from 8 to 8:30pm
Back to car-park for 8:45/50

Call me Clive if any issues
Cheers
see you Thursday.

IFA Grassroots Introductory Award June 2009

IFA Grassroots Introductory Award - Antrim Grammar School - June 24th 2009

Finally, we completed last nights course with 18 attending from TAYFC & 8 from Antrim Rovers.

Great facilities at Antrim Grammar, great weather and hopefully a desire to want to go to next level of IFA Coaching ( Level 1 ). Thanks to everyone for attending, thanks to Noel & Mervyn for taxiing & thanks to Joe Doherty from IFA for travelling all the way down from Limavady to run the course. Your certificates will be posted directly to your home addresses and don't forget to add the course to your C.V.'s

Training restarts next Thursday 2nd July at Aldergrove - usual timings (more later)

Clive

Wednesday 24th June 2008

WEDNESDAY 24th June 2009
IFA Grassroots Introductory Award
Antrim Grammar School - Steeple Road - Antrim
Course 18:30 - 21:30
Coach: Joe Doherty (IFA)

Please arrive at 18:15 in training kit with track shoes & water bottle
Look for my yellow van at the top carpark of the school - it will be next to the gym
90 mins theory in lecture theatre & 90 mins of practical in the gym.
This was a joint affair between us and Antrim Rovers - thus our places sold out very quickly & 8 places are taken up by Antrim Rovers coaches.

Paddy, Jamie F, Dee L, Pedro, Dibbsie, Danny L, Danny K, Craig, Jonny S, Crouch, Jonny M, Alex, Reece, J.C., Stevie C, Luke & Wilgey - from TAYFC

Sorry if you are not on this course but there will be another one coming for Ian, Lewis, Archie, Stuart C, Di Canio, Jordan & Matty (if they want it)

Application has gone in for IFA U18 Youth League in time for July 1st - we should know by 7th July.
Training re-starts on Thursday 2nd July at Aldergrove.

Clive

** Update ** - 12th June 2009

Dear Champions - quick update:

Training - back on Thursday 2nd July 2009

Please ensure you have cleared and sold your raffle tickets

We are actively searching for a new manager - hope to sorted by 1st week in July

We are hoping to be able to put a 1993/92 team into the IFA Youth League (U18) subject to approval

We have a friendly game booked against Premier Milk Cup Squad (1992) on Thursday evening 23rd July.

shout if you need anything

cheers
Clive - Chairman and happy !!

And more !!!!

Dear all,

Congratulations - The Under 17 team won this years EAIYL Fair Play Award (again). This trophy is presented to the team with the highest marks scored at each game by the referee based on the behaviour and sportmanship of both the players & the sideline.

Well done

Clive

Saturday 23rd May 2009

Gentlemen, thank you & your parents for your attendance yesterday at our final session as Under 17's - I hope you enjoyed the morning and really sorry that Reece & Jonny S were not able to attend. After the team pic, we listened to some possible outcomes for next season & I will keep you up to speed with those, we agreed to take a wee break now & we will get back together on Thursday July 2nd 2009 - unless the situation dictates otherwise - but I will keep you up to speed via blog &/or post.

We will need to get a new Manager!

We need to decide on what league we go to

We need to know who is remaining playing for TAYFC

We have Lowtown Road to complete, a possible bag pack at Tesco Antrim, SoccerWeek & IFA Grassroots Training with July & August to prepare for any new campaign, so please any constructive comments/suggestions back to us will help that process - Please keep in contact, you have had a brilliant year and you deserve the plaudits you are receiving. Mark sent me a text yesterday " Thank you for a great few years. Its been my honour to be part of the club. Please put a big thank you on the Blog for everyone who has played and helped out."

I would like to personally thank all of the coaching staff not just for their value in coaching and keeping you fit but for the lifts to & from games, the networking & being there through the good times and the bad - have a good break, keep fit and keep in contact.

Rafa Benitez has just turned down a £200 million shirt sponsorship deal with a well known dog food company. He said the thought of Liverpool players in shirt with WINALOT on the front was just taking the p*ss !!

Thank you all sincerely for your effort, passion, attendance in making that season "The year of your Lives"

Clive - still a proud Chairman.

SATURDAY 23rd MAY 2009

Dear Champions - Saturday is on:

Please , please all 22 registered players, please!

1) Car Park at main entrance 10:15 in Yellow Umbro kit please
2) In for 10:30am
3) Photographer on duty for professional piccy
4) Quick talk about what you want for next season
5) 5 a - side fun footy
6) Something to eat ?
7) Back to car park at main gate for 12:45

Please shout if any issues - it would be great that everyone is there and the trophies :-)

Thank you and look forward to seeing you on Saturday
Clive - a happy Chairman

We are the Champions - 2008/2009

East Antrim Invitational Youth League U17 League Champions:

Templepatrick Alexandra Youth Football Club

!!! Oh Yes !!!

Thanks to Albert Foundry for the use of their pitch, their hospitality & their sporting approach to the game. {NIBFA U17 winners were Foyle Harps}

2-1 win {Alex 25 mins} & Ian {52 mins) meant an unbeaten league run for the whole season - 16 league games with 15 wins & 1 draw - you scored in every game you played, 82 in total (79 from you and 3 from void game with CC) - Goals against were 31 leaving a goal difference of +51 !!!

Goalscorers all 17 of you:
Paddy - 11

Ian - 10

Craig - 9

Alex - 7

Stevie C, Jonny M, Dee Lucas, - 6 each

Di Canio - 5

Lewis - 4

Jamie F, Reece M - 3 each

Archie, Pedro McN, Stuart C - 2 each

Crouch, Jonny S, Jordan - 1 each

Hat-Trick: 1 Alex S

Clean Sheets: 8 Well done Danny & Dee Lucas

Yellow Cards: 16 in total

Di Canio & Reece - 4 each

Craig & Jordan - 2 each

Stevie C, Stuart C, Ian, Crouch - 1 each

Fascinating data - great data - interesting data "That's the Spirit " !!! LOL
All subs paid up to date - Stevie C, Danny K & JC have £2.00 in balance

And brilliant success from Shirley in collecting £400 for running the Marathon and donating that money to the club - big huge thank you xxxxxx

SATURDAY 23rd MAY - Training at RAF Aldergrove (tbc)

Meet at car-park at 10:15 in for 10:30

1) Professional team photo (Please all 22 players attend and in yellow playing kit)

2) Discuss next season - options, commitments & desires

3) 5 a-side tournament {4 boys and 1 adult}

4) Quick snackie poohs

5) Finish at 12:30 back to car park for 12:45 and a deserved rest !

Thank you all of you, players, coaches, parents, guest coaches, RAF - what a brilliant end to the season

Cheers Clive

Saturday 16th May 2009

League Game 16
Saturday 16th May 2009
Albert Foundry vs Templepatrick Alexandra
KO: 10:30
Venue: Albert Foundry, Paisley Park, West Circular Road, Belfast.

Please arrive (09:45) in TAYFC Track-Suits with TAYFC Boot Bags.

We are very grateful to AF & Manager George in allowing us to play here as most of the council pitches (if not all) are closed. After the game there will be presentations of U17 Player of the Year, Runner Up & Winner medals and the U17 League Trophy by the EAIYL Committee.

Then we take a break - yippee !!!!!

Directions:
Top of Springfield Rd
Right at roundabout
Beside Fire Station
400yds on right
Parking available at pitch

or

Up the Shankill Road
Past Woodvale Park
Up the Ballygomartin Road
Past Tesco's
Turn left onto the West Circular Road
500yds on left
Parking available at pitch

See you Saturday
Cheers
Clive

Last Night - League Champions

FROM LITTLE ALCORN'S GROW !!!

Superb, a bruising encounter but a 2-0 victory confirms us as U17 League Champions - the first in the clubs history.
0-0 at half time with Jamie doing what he does best - scoring at important games (54 minutes) & "Paddy's" rebound shot on 63 minutes was enough to secure this our 14th win out of 15 games - with another clean sheet for "just doing my job" Danny and the joy of seeing the other Danny playing outfield and nearly scoring !! Well done everyone who turned up to either play or support - it is hugely appreciated - thank you.

Thursday - no training

Saturday vs Albert Foundry (venue to be confirmed) - our last game of the season.
1) Match Day subs are £2.00 if you are in the squad of 16.
2) As it the last game I would like to wrap up monies owed & over-charged thus:
Jordan please bring £4 (£2 & £2)
Jonny S please bring £7 (£5 & £2)
Di Canio please bring £4 (£2 & £2)
Alex please bring £4 (£2 & £2)
Crouch please bring £4 (£2 & £2)
Jonny M please bring £6 (£4 & £2)
Payback - Ian has a balance of 50p & Stevie C £2.00

Directly after the game and Trophy/Medal presentations we are heading to Bambou at Templepatrick (Milestone Shopping Complex) for 13:00 (1:00pm) for buffet lunch Chinese.
Players food costs are covered - please bring some money for soft drinks
Parents, Siblings & Supporters - please join us for a princely sum of £6 per person to cover food costs.

I will be contacting everyone prior to Friday lunchtime to get numbers in order to inform the restaurant - please shout if you need further details.

Thank you and well done
Clive

Tuesday 12th May

Game on:

Tuesday 12th May against 18th Newtownabbey
at
CLOYNE CRESCENT - MONKSTOWN
KO at 18:30
Please arrive from 17:45

If you haven't done so already please let Mark know if you are or are not available tomorrow night

No squad will be posted - Mark will choose from players attending and as last Saturday, please if you are not in the squad then please help out and support the rest of the team.

Saturday details (last game of the season) will follow but after the game we are due at Bambou Chinese restaurant in Templepatrick for 13:00 for a spot of buffet style lunch - registered players meals will be covered and parents/grandparents/supporters are welcome to join us with a charge per head of just £6.00. If the players please could bring some cash for drinks that would be great. Thank you and thank you to John at Bambou for helping us at such short notice.

Shout if any issues
Cheers
Clive.

!! UPDATE !!

Gentlemen:

1) There is no training tomorrow night (Thursday)
Crewe Utd are playing Linfield in a friendly at Crewe Park and some of us are going to watch that game.

2) Our game on Saturday is against Chimney Corner and is at Greenisland Pitch 3 - please be there for 09:45 - KO is at 10:30.
Albert Foundry play their game against 18th N'Abbey on the pitch next to us.

3) Mark is not posting a squad - please just turn up and be ready when called upon - let Mark know if you can't make it - for these last 3 games we just want as much support from the whole squad & parents as possible - we are without Stevie C & Reece due to injuries.

4) Those who look at the blog - please make sure that your fellow squad members that can't get to the blog know whats happening - we win or lose as a team so please lets keep the pressure on, lets focus on one game at a time and remember "it's not over til the fat lady sings" - lets keep celebrations on hold until the referee blows that magical whistle of his when full time is up.

Great team performance last night in very difficult conditions - well done to all of you
Thank you
Clive

Tonight 5 - 1 win

Brilliant win in very difficult conditions
Paddy, Craig & 3 from Alex

Alex wasn't in the original squad but turned up anyway
Ian dropped out - Alex went on and scored a hat-trick

Tell's you something !!

Well done everyone

Tuesday May 5th - updated

Squad details (16):

Danny L, Dee, Jordan, Peter, Luke, Crouch, Jamie F, Johnny S, Johnny M, Craig , Stu D, Stu C, Lewis, Patrick, Ian & Stevie C

N/A: Rested or Injured: Danny K, Dibbsie, Reece, Archie, Alex, J.C.

Johnny M - any chance please of getting Ian ??????

Tuesday May 5th 2009
Game on at 6Milewater Ballyclare - top pitch (behind the vets)
KO at 18:30
vs 18th Newtownabbey
Please arrive from 17:45
Please advise Mark if you cannot attend

Thursday - no training

Saturday is re-arranged game vs Chimney Corner - details later

Please see previous blog for update on whats happening

Clive

Today & next week

Gentlemen, 1 down and 4 to go
5 - 0 a dodgy start then Craig on 35mins, Ian on 55mins, Paddy 58 mins, Stuart C 66mins & Ian again on 74 mins.

Please keep an eye on the blog as to where our game is for Tuesday night against 18th Newtownabbey.

Other info:
We presented a cheque to Lisburn Distillery for £65 for delivery to CLIC Sargent charity fund-raiser game.
We raised about £300 at last Monday's TAYFC Quiz Night - thank you to all those who attended.
J.C's mum, Shirley is running the Belfast Marathon tomorrow - all her fund raising is going to the club.
We received a grant for £150.00 from Antrim Sports Advisory Association to cover half costs for 16 of you to do IFA Grassroots Course ( tba)
We will be starting a "different slant" raffle fund raiser very shortly that will also bring in much needed funds and needs all your support
We will be doing a bag-pack at Tesco (tbc)

There is no training this Thursday night - but should you be interested there is a friendly game at Crewe Park between Crewe United & Linfield (to officially open the new laid out pitch) KO 7:30pm - entrance £3.00 adults £1.00 children (all funds going to Diabetes UK)

Saturday 9th May is either 1) re-arranged game with Chimney Corner or 2) Training at RAF - 10:30 til 12:00.

Shout if you need further info - and please let Mark know if you have any difficulties with attendance - thank you
Clive

Saturday 2nd May - League Game

Game 1 - Saturday 2nd May 2009
vs Whitehead (League)
at The Diamond, Rathcoole, Pitch 1 - KO 10:30

Please get there for 09:45 in order to get prepared and warmed up - Call Mark if you are not available - bring subs - any outstanding subs - water bottle & right kit

Squad:
Luke
Lewis

Ian
Stuart D
Stuart C
Danny L
Paddy
Craig
Peter
Crouch
Jordan
Dee L
Stevie C
Johnny M
Alex
Johnny Shaw

Alex/Johnny M - any chance of bringing Ian from RAF ?

N/A or Rested: Dibbsie, JC, Jamie F, Reece, Danny K & Archie


see you tomorrow
Clive

Remaining League Fixtures - EAIYL

Gentlemen,

Please look at these fixture dates and let Mark know if you have difficulties in attending any of these:

Kick-off
5) 18:30 - Thursday 30th April vs C/Corner at 6Milewater Ballyclare
4) 10:30 - Saturday 2nd May vs Whitehead at Rathcoole 1
3) 18:30 - Tuesday 5th May vs 18th Newtownabbey at 6 Milewater Ballyclare
2) 18:30 - Tuesday 12th May vs 18th Newtownabbey at 6 Milewater Ballyclare
1) 10:30 - Saturday 16th May vs Albert Foundry at 6 Milewater Ballyclare

We have 5 games left and Albert Foundry have 3
3) Tuesday 28th April - AF vs 18th N'Abbey - Cloyne
2) Saturday 9th May - AF vs 18th N'Abbey - Rathcoole 1
1) Saturday 16th May - AF vs Templepatrick - 6 Milewater Ballyclare

This is it now guys - your destiny is in your hands - so please focus, one game at a time and keep Mark up to speed on whether you are available or not ( and please give him as much notice as possible)

Squad for Saturday - 25th April

Valley Leisure Centre Pitches
10:30 KO
U17 Shield Final - 18th Newtownabbey vs Templepatrick Alexandra
Please arrive at 09:45

Squad:
Danny L
Paddy G
Craig H
Peter Mc
Crouch
Jordan
Dee L
Lewis Mc
Alex S
Stuart C
Di Canio
Jonny Shaw
Archie
Ian B
Jamie F
Luke A

Standby Reserves (Please come with kit): Danny K & Dibbsie
Rested or N/A: Reece M , Stevie C, Jonny M & J.C

Please bring all outstanding monies (inc £4 from Thursday whether attended or not), the right kit & water bottles

Don't forget Monday night is our fund raising Quiz Night at Sam's Bar Templeton Hotel - this is your club so please with your families and friends support these events - thank you and see you tomorrow.
Cheers
Clive

This week............................>

This Thursday night - Training (Subs for tonight & only tonight £4.00)
Meet at 18:45 in for 18:50
Back to Car Park for 21:00 (last session before Shield Final on Saturday 25th)
Please bring with you any outstanding subs &/or your CLIC Sargent donations from yesterdays game with Lisburn Distillery.

Thank you for your attendance both at the Awards evening & yesterday's game and watch this space for more events:
1) Monday night 27th April at Sam's Bar, Templepton Hotel for a club fund raising Quiz Night

Clive

SUNDAY vs Lisburn Distillery

Sunday - 19th April 2009

Friendly Game (in aid of CLIC Sargent)
Lisburn Distillery U17 vs Templepatrick Alexandra U17
KO: 14:00pm
Please arrive at 13:00pm with normal playing kit and track suits & £2.00 subs
Thank you to Sharlene for arranging this game.

New Grosvenor Stadium is located on the Ballyskeagh Road, Lambeg which lies on the outskirts of Lisburn.

From Belfast:
Malone Road, Belfast to House of Sport roundabout. Follow signs for Drumbeg/Dixon Park along Upper Malone Road - simply remain on this road for approx. 3.5 miles.
The New Grosvenor Stadium is on the right once you pass over the M1 Motorway.

Lisburn Distillery Football Club, New Grosvenor Stadium, Ballyskeagh, Lambeg, Lisburn.

Great, hard win on Thursday night - no other games this coming week so we have the friendly tomorrow (Sunday) - Training Thursday (Aldergrove) and EAIYL Shield Final against 18th Newtownabbey on Saturday 25th April at Valley Leisure Centre Pitches - KO 10:30.

Shout if any issues & text/call Mark

Clive

Tonight

Friday: Non-Awards - Awards Night, U17 & U11

7:00pm for 7:30 start
should be over by 21:00

Please shout if you need directions

Please bring a tray of assorted sandwiches & / or tray bakes - crisps ec
we are hoping for about 50 people in total

call me if you need anything

Saturday - No Game or Training

Sunday - Friendly vs Lisburn Distillery - please be at their ground for 1pm ready for KO at 2pm

Great hard fought win last night 2-1 against Albert Foundry - Congrats you are now in the Shield Final on 25th April at Valley Pitches - KO 10:30

see you tonight
Clive

Thursday Game

You must contact Mark to let him know your availability for tomorrow

Game: TAYFC vs Albert Foundry - Shield/Plate Game 4
Kick off 18:30
Venue: Six Mile Leisure Centre - Ballyclare - big pitch to the left as you drive in

Please arrive between 17:45 & 18:00
Please arrive changed and ready to warm up - we will try and avoid the changing rooms and do everything pitch side.

Shout if you need anything?

Jonny M & Alex - can you pick up Ian from the camp?
Antrim boys - can you get yourselves there ?

Clive

Today - Saturday 11th April 2009

Our three goal scorers and the 2 Danny Boy's..............................

Great win - 4-0 which now puts us in contention for a great finale game against Albert Foundry this Thursday night - prob at 6 Mile Water, Ballyclare (tbc) - the result of that game will decide whether we are in the Plate Final (18th April) or Shield Final (25th April).

A Ballymather link up gave us our first goal on 15 mins from Dee and then a deflected shot from Reece gave us our second on 38 minutes (Archie bought me a slap up KFC meal).

Second half saw prob for me the "goal of the season" from Ian - overhead bicycle kick and another 9 minutes later which now puts Ian with 7 goals and leading goal scorer.

Yet another clean sheet (our 6th or 7th) - Good to see both Danny's in action and my last two facts:

1) Goals Scored 62 - Conceded 26 - Goal Difference +36 !!

2) Archie bought me a slap up Colonel's 3 piece meal at KFC - with his own money - what a nice gesture !!

Enjoy the Easter break - see you all on Thursday

Thank you

Clive

PITCH CHANGE - URGENT

PITCH CHANGED FOR TOMORROWS GAME TO RATHCOOLE

DO NOT GO TO GREENISLAND

CALL IF ANY ISSUES

CLIVE

I got the message at late this evening

Squad Details

Saturday 11th April 2009
vs 18th Newtownabbey
at Greenisland P2
KO 10:30
Please arrive at 09:45

Squad 15:
Danny L
Danny K
Craig
Stuart C
Di Canio
Jonny Min
Alex
Crouch
Dee
Reece
Paddy
Jordan
Luke
Archie
Ian

N/A: JC, Dibbsie, Lewis, Jamie F, Peter McNeill, Jonny S, (Stevie C)

TRAINING - THURSDAY 9th April

Dear All

2 hour session in preparation for squad selection on Saturday against 18th N'Abbey in Shield/Plate

arrive at car park please for 18:45
Leave at 18:50
Start at 19:00
Finish at 21:00
Back to Car Park 21:15

remember keep Friday 17th April free in the evening - Awards night
remember Sunday 19th we are playing Lisburn Distillery (thanks to Sharlene)
remember Saturday 18th we might have a game or we might not
remember Monday 27th April is Quiz nite at Sam's Bar Templeton Hotel

Today - Saturday 4th April

Can you tell the difference !!!!

great win today - highest score so far this season & a clean sheet

Lewis on 11mins

Craig on 41mins (wee screamer) helped by the wind though !!!!

Dee on 43mins & 60 mins

Pedro on 65 mins

Stu C on 71 mins (pen)

Di Canio on 75 mins

3 points and keeps us on top of the league.

This now means that 17 squad players have scored and there is no clear leading goal-scorer

6 goals = Craig, Stevie C, Jonny M & Paddy

5 goals = Di Canio, Ian & Dee Lucas

good luck to the 5 going for trials tomorrow for Milk Cup

See you on Thursday night - Training

& next Saturday is a Shield/Plate game 3 vs 18th N'Abbey at Greenisland P2.

Well done & thank you

Cheers

Clive

Squad Details - 4th April 2009

Saturday 4th April 2009

Whitehead vs TAYFC

@ Whitehead KO 11:00

Please arrive at 10:15 - right kit plus subs & WATER BOTTLES

Rested, N/A or Injured x 5: Reece, JC, Dibbsie, Danny K & Jonny S

Standby x 1: Archie

Squad x 16: Jonny M, Stu Cos, Stevie C, Jordan, Ian, Lewis, Dee, Alex, Craig, Di Canio, Paddy, Peter, Jamie, Crouch, Luke & Danny L

This is a league game

See you tomorrow - contact Mark if any issues please

Clive

Saturday last & this Thursday Training

Thursday night training

Usual times

Meet at 18:45 - in at 18:50

Session 19:00pm to 21:00pm
Back to car park for 21:15

Bring correct kit - subs & water bottles, please.

Saturday 4th April

Whitehead vs TAYFC at Whitehead - KO at 11:00 - League Game

Saturday - 28th March vs Foyle Harps

Foyle Harps: 1 min, 9 min, 30 min, 51 min & 59min

Templepatrick Alexandra: 39 min - Mr Jamie Fenning - hurrah !

As disapointing as the result was it was still one hell of an achievement to get to the semi-final - I am sure that if we had said at the beginning of the season that the year was going to look like top of the league, knockout cup winners, semi-finalists in NIBFA and in with a shout for Shield/Plate you would have looked at us thinking we had gone mad!!

Foyle had an international U17 N.Ire player & an ROI U17 player - & on the day they were probably the stronger side - we have a couple of wee niggles to sort out and then lets have that final push for Shield/Plate and most importantly the league title:

Remaining games:

Shield/Plate = 2 & a final

League = 6

We are going to have to play some midweek games - I am sure.

PLEASE KEEP FRIDAY NIGHT 17th APRIL FREE - ITS OUR AWARDS NIGHT

Well done guys - keep it up & keep focused

See you Thursday night

Clive

Squad for Saturday

Squad for Saturday - & please if you are not in the squad, come and support the rest of the team. We leave Templepatrick Primary School at 09:00 to drive to Cookstown - please have the right kit, subs (£2.00) and YOUR WATER BOTTLE pref with iso-tonic drink in it !!

Rested or Not Available:

Jonny Shaw, Alex S, Danny K, Danny Laird, JC, Dibbsie - if you are available to come then please come in kit and track-suit, thank you.

Squad 16:

Dee, Jordan, Luke, Paddy, Peter, Jamie F, Crouch, Stuart C, Di Canio, Lewis, Craig, Reece, Archie, Ian, Stevie C & Jonny Minford.

Foyle Harps will play in green & white hoops - we play in yellow & black (Umbro)

Friday night - please get a good nights sleep, have a good breakfast, bring a snack and drink for the journey as we KO at 11:00 - Remember its 30 mins each way.

Have a great game and we will see you at Templepatrick PS at 09:00 - please do not be late.

Cheers Clive

TONIGHT

Gentlemen

Thursday - Training (the big one)

Please be at car-park for 18:45 to go in at 18:50
Please have the correct kit on and BRING WATER BOTTLES (this is important as you will find out)
We have guests tonight so please lets act and look as professional as possible

We will finish at 21:00 and back to car-park for 21:15 ish

call / text mark if any issues

Clive

Tuesday Training

1) Glentoran were beaten by Newcastle on Saturday - so its anyones Cup !!
2) The venue for Saturday is changed - still Cookstown but a pitch called Beechway - I am sussing it out tomorrow.
3) Training
we have got to get you guys fit and ready for our game on Saturday so there will be two training sessions this week:
Tuesday - 18:45 meet - 18:50 depart - start at 19:00 - finish at 21:00 - back to car park for 21:15 - please come in the correct gear bring subs and water bottles.
Thursday - 18:45 meet - 18:50 depart - start at 19:00 - finish at 21:00 - back to car park for 21:15 - please come in the correct gear bring subs and water bottles. We should have guest coaches at this session - so lets look and act the part..........professional !!

Please contact Mark if any issues please - see you tomorrow & Thursday
Cheers
Clive

Saturday - 21st March update

Gentlemen:

First things first - please keep an eye on this blog for information relating to this coming week

Tuesday - training (venue to be announced)
Thursday - training ( 7pm to 9pm)

Saturday - 28th March 2009
NIBFA u17 semi-final - Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown
Foyle Harps vs Templepatrick Alexandra
KO at 11:00
Duration - 30 mins each way then extra time & penalties if needed !
NIBFA provide referee & 2 assistants (line)
The plan is to leave Templepatrick Primary School at 09:00 and drive in convoy to Cookstown and out to the arena to arrive at 10:00 and get prepared for 11:00 KO - so please start your personal planning now, no last minute phone calls or texts - it would be great if the whole squad turned out whether you were competing or not - lets do this as a team !!

Saturday 21st:
20 seconds into game gave away a penalty - saved again by Danny
23 minutes - Jonny Minford - 1 - 0 to us
20 seconds into second half - Paddy - 2 - 0 to us
comfortable lead
74 minutes - CC score - 2 - 1
and then 20 seconds before end of game CC equalise - 2 - 2
thank you Crouch for your heroic goal line clearance !!

2 more games in Shield/Plate & a final: Albert F & 18th N'Abbey
6 more league games
& 1 + 1 NIBFA games
plus request for April 18th off

busy times ahead

see you all on Tuesday

Clive

Squad Details - saturday 21st March 2009

Rested/Not available:
Danny Kerr, Dibbsie, Alex, Ian, Jonny S & JC (6)

Squad: 16
Danny L
Dee L
Luke
Jordan
Paddy
Crouch (sooty)
Stevie C
Reece
Craig
Di Canio
Lewis
Stuart C
Jamie
Archie
Peter
Jonny Min

Greenisland for 09:45 please - wearing the right gear and please bring your water bottles.

shout to Mark if any issues, please.

Clive

Training tonight

Back to normal tonight

car-park please for 18:45
we go in at 18:50
start at 19:00
finish at 20:30
back to car park for 20:45

please bear with us in case things have changed slightly tonight with respect to getting through the main gate.

shout if any issues - call Mark if you can't make it.

Clive

NIBFA Semi-Final

Guys

we were drawn against Foyle Harps in the semi-final of the NIBFA Cup
we will confirm date and venue (chosen by NIBFA)

You must let me know if you are away at all over April 2009 and when you are off for Easter.

Clive

Today - Saturday

This is the situation as far as I can tell:

Chimney Corner have known since 22nd February that they had this Saturday off. The league, planning on clearing as many Plate/Shield games as poss changed our fixture from Whitehead to play CC today - whilst W'head were changed to play Albert F. Chimney Corner then couldn't produce a team as they had known for 3 weeks that they were off - thus our game was cancelled yesterday evening. Apologies all round, I understand what the league were trying to achieve - it just didn't work that's all, so back to the drawing board !!

Clive
I will be discussing this tomorrow with the EAIYL committee.

GAME OFF

Really sorry Guys - late notice but the game is off tomorrow - enjoy the day off

Back to training on Thursday night

Clive

Squad for Saturday 14th March

Note fixture change : Now at Greenisland KO at 10:30 - Shield/Plate game against Chimney Corner - Please be there for 09:45

There will be a fitness test at 10:00 on Jonny Shaw & Stevie Caldwell
thus we request that Jamie F, Jonny M & Alex S please attend (in kit) - just in case

1) Peter
2) Luke
3) Jordan
4) Reece
5) Jonny Shaw
6) Craig
7) David L
8) Di Canio
9) Paddy
10) Stevie C
11) Archie
12) Ian
13) Stuart C
14) Crouch
15) Lewis
16) Danny L

Rested: JC & Dibbsie

Call Mark if any queries or issues please

UPDATE

The league have informed me of a change to this Saturday's fixture:

It is now at Greenisland - Pitch 2 - KO at 10:30
against Chimney Corner in a Plate/Shield game

sorry for late notice

squad will be posted tomorrow (Friday)

please make sure that if you see other players that they are aware of this change

Cheers
Clive

TRAINING - WEDNESDAY (for this week)

URGENT ............................

Due to recent security issues and other pre-planned events - training is off for Thursday night

instead

Wednesday night at Valley Leisure Centre - meet at reception at 20:00 (8:00pm) ready to go - we should be finished by 21:15.

See previous blog for info on Saturday's win against Coagh

Call Mark if any issues
Clive

Coagh - 1/4 Final

History in the making !!!

Templepatrick Alexandra U17 in the semi-final of the NIBFA Knockout Cup - pinch me!

Despite the wind and despite going down 0-1 in 5 minutes you guys did it - what a pace and what a battle and again everyone playing their part. Paddy equalised on the 38th minute with a wee screamer and you know the rest right up to the final whistle - 20 minutes of extra time and you kept battling and then into the dreaded penalties !!

Danny went over to the touchline, thankfully alone, to perform his own little "wee" pre-penalties dance and got into his "zone":

Ian - up and BANG 1-0

Coagh - Danny pulls off a brilliant SAVE 1-0

Stevie - WALLOP 2-0

Coagh - in 2-1

Di Canio - saved 2-1

Coagh - Danny SAVES 2-1

Jordan - saved 2-1

Coagh - in 2-2

Craig - SMASHEROONEY 3-2

Coagh - missed (but Danny had it covered) 3-2 and we WIN

mass celebrations on the pitch and from the touchline

Both teams sportingly and graciously met in the centre for presentation of MOM and then after getting changed a nice big feed in Coagh's social room - kindly supplied by our hosts

so............. final teams for semis:

Templepatrick Alexandra

Foyle Harps (who beat Coleraine on pens)

Institute (who beat St Pats 1-0)

& the winner of Newcastle vs Glentoran (tba)

Thank you again to all the players, coaches and parents for their support - enjoy the next few days and then forget NIBFA because Saturday we play Whitehead in a league game - Training is off for Thursday due to prior events - but keep an eye on this blog as to when we next get together

Brilliant day and thank you

Clive

Saturday 7th March 2009

Dibbsie & Jonny being presented last night with their winners medals from our success in winning the EAIYL U17 Knockout Cup from ex Luton & N.Ireland player Steve Robinson.

Saturday 7th March 2009 - NIBFA quarter-final vs Coagh Utd @ Coagh Sports Centre

Kick Off 11:00 - 30 minutes each way - plus extra time and penalties (if needed)

We meet and leave Templepatrick Primary School at 09:15 (Mervyn collecting Antrim Boys & Ian) and head to Coagh aiming to arrive before 10:15.

16 man squad for this game:

1) Peter

2) Luke

3) Jordan

4) Reece

5) Jonny Shaw

6) Craig

7) David L

8) Di Canio

9) Paddy

10) Stevie C

11) Archie

12) Ian

13) Stuart C

14) Crouch

15) Lewis

16) Danny L

Danny K, Dibbsie, Alex, Jamie, Jonny M & J.C - if you are available to attend and support the squad then that would be brilliant - if you have any q's then please contact Mark.

Good luck for tomorrow - see you at 09:15 at Templepatrick Primary School.

Clive

Tonight - Thursday March 5th 2009

Training on at Aldergrove

We have a special guest with us this evening so full turnout please and in the right training kit, with water bottles & subs £1.50.

Car Park for 18:45
Leave at 18:50
In pavilion at 19:00
Quick chat & Presentation
Warm up & off you go
Finish at 21:00
Back to car park for 21:15 ish
Call Mark if any issues with tonight

Saturday - Coagh - NIBFA Quarter Final (30 mins each way)

Kick off - 11:00

Arrive at Coagh Sports Centre pitch for 10:15

Route - but only a suggestion:
Get onto M2 heading to Toome & Londonderry
Continue from M2 onto A6 heading to Toome
At Drumderg Roundabout (before Toome Bridge) turn left to Toome (B18)
Drive through the village, past the police station, over the bridge - then turn left to Ballyronan (B18 - Cregagh Road)
After Industrial Buildings/Estate turn left towards Ballyronan / Coagh (B18)
Drive about a mile to another left turn - Ballyronan / Coagh (B18) - Ballyronan Road
Thru Ballyronan towards Coagh (6 miles) B160
Thru a couple of wee villages and as you come towards Coagh - on the right - just past big electric pylon crosing the road - is Coagh Sports Centre - including 3G Pitch, new pitch being built, our pitch and changing rooms.

Watch out - speed bumps/humps in Ballyronan - approx 8 minutes from Ballyronan to pitch.
Templepatrick to pitch - approx. 50 minutes (at 4:30pm in the afternoon)
Clive

EAIYL Knockout Cup Final 2009

We all have choices in life - turn left and your life develops one way or turn right and it goes in another direction - it is full of ups and downs - and as long as there are more ups than downs then life can be sweeeeeeeeeet !

I choose not to be a football coach - its enough being a parent, a husband and an employer - we as a support group can ensure that you have the best of facilities, best of coaching, best of fitness, best of kit & the best Saturday morning pizzas & chicken wings (I love and thrive in that role) but to have to make decisions on which 16 are in the squad and which 11 start out of a group of 22 boys is a role I would cringe at because you are damned if you do and damned if you don't - you will never please all but someone has to do it and that's Mark ! I have looked at team selections and starting line ups in the past and thought..... blimey I wouldn't do that ...... but Mark has been charged with that job and we said to all the boys that this season is going to be a Competitive season with a big C - he, Mark, lives or dies by the decisions he makes and so far this season we are unbeaten in 16 games, we are top of the league, we are in the quarter final of the NIBFA Cup and yesterday we won the U17 Knockout Cup Final (our first ever and TAYFC were the only team who went through all three rounds to win this)
What a great day - everything was in place and everybody played their role whether it was playing, watching, helping or supporting - yes we went behind twice and twice we came back and as casual as it looked, for us to get a penalty with just 8 minutes to go must of put some pressure on the player who, in the end, calmly hit the ball past their keeper and put us in front to win the trophy! Oh joy of joys and the celebrations followed with the trophy presentation and pictures taken, a general soaking of various people and finished off with some food and drinks supplied by the parents and yours truly!!
27 minutes Chimney Corner : 0-1
29 minutes TAYFC: 1-1 (Jamie Fenning)
52 minutes Chimney Corner: 1-2
65 minutes TAYFC: 2-2 (Lewis McKim)
72 minutes TAYFC: 3-2 (Ian Booth-penalty)
2 x yellow cards: Craig & Reece

The league are contributing all gate monies from all the finals this year to The Children's Hospice & CLIC Sargent - with a generous contribution from Chimney Corner & TAYFC we collected more than double the first final of last year achieving a total of £110.00 - thank you all for your generosity.
I hope you enjoyed the day and the result - we rest now until Thursday night - training until 21:00 and then we travel to Coagh on Saturday for an 11:00am kick-off in our quarter final game of the NIBFA Knockout Cup - logistics will follow but we will aim to be there for about 10:00/10:15 - Coagh is approx 38 miles from Templepatrick

Thank you all for your support and well done to the coaches and players
Cheers Clive (and Luton won yesterday as well)

Squad for saturday - 28th February 2009

Squad details are as follows:

10:15 arrive at Cloyne Crescent.............

Squad
1) Peter
2) Luke
3) Jordan
4) Reece
5) Craig
6) David L
7) Stuart D
8) Paddy G
9) Stevie C
10) James B
11) Ian B
12) Stuart C
13) Jamie F
14) Crouch
15) Lewis Mc
16) Danny L

If you are not in the squad please attend to support and help out with the joy that is the EAIYL Knockout Cup Final against Chimney Corner.

Any issues or problems then please contact Mark

TRAINING

Training this Thursday - last session before Knockout Cup Final against Chimney Corner!

Meet at car-park for 18:45
Leave at 18:50
Start at 19:00
Finish at 21:00 (9pm)
Back to car-park for 21:15

Please give it your "all" on Thursday night.

see you there

Cheers
Clive

Saturday 21st February

Shield/Plate.............. or keep out my kitchen !!

Whitehead scored on 9 minutes and then 37 minutes Craig waltzed through 7 players and equalised for us keeping our unbeaten 15 game run A L I V E ..............

Training on Thursday - until 21:00 (9:00pm)

Saturday is our Knockout Cup Final against Chimney Corner to be played at Cloyne Crescent with a proposed KO time of 11:30 - our Under 17 final follows the U15 final.

Please note that at all finals there is a collection that takes place to support two local child based charities - usual suggested donation is £1.00 for adults and 50p for children - but it is not mandatory.

Squad for Saturday

vs Whitehead
Greenisland
Saturday 21st February 2009

Team : 22

N/A or rested 5: Danny K, JC, Dee Lucas, Pedro & Dibbsie

Reserve 1 : Crouch (please bring kit ( just in case!))

Squad 16:
DannyL, Jordan, Ian, Jamie, Luke, J Shaw, J Minford, Stuart C, Stuart D, Lewis, Alex, Stevie C, Reece, Archie, Craig & Paddy.

See you all tomorrow at 09:45

Cheers Clive

Thursday Night

NIBFA draw is at 7pm on Thursday night - Change to original last 8 - Trojans were wrongly listed it should have been Coagh Utd Yth.

Buts lets focus on Whitehead this Saturday

Training at usual Car-Park:
Arrive at 18:45
Depart at 18:50
Start at 19:00
Finish at 20:30
Back to car-park for 20:45 ish

Please bring your correct kit, the right boots for astro-turf, subs, outstanding music sheets and be ready to work it !!!!

Cheers
see you all Thursday
Clive

Today

gentlemen - superb and thank you to all who played their part in getting TAYFC to the quarter-finals of the NIBFA Cup - It has never been done by us at this club since it was formed in 1998 and it takes us to 14 games unbeaten - so something must be going right !!

Goals by Di Canio on the 14th & 24th minute secured the win and another clean sheet from Daniel

the last 8 !!! well done

The last 8 going into the draw are:
St Patricks's
Trojans
Foyle Harps
Institute
Newcastle
Coleraine
Templepatrick
Glentoran

I will advise you when the draw is taking place but to follow the theme - next Saturday is our first Shield/Plate game against Whitehead at Greenisland & thats what we need to focus on.

Superb day - well done and see you all on Thursday

Clive

URGENT - GAME ON BUT VENUE CHANGE

Good morning
The game is still on but the venue has changed from Greenisland to Valley Pitches at valley leisure centre
KO is still 10:30
Please be there for 09:45
Shout if issues
Clive