One Small Step - Tir na nOg
On entering the Randalstown ground of Tir na nOg we knew it was going to be a welcoming and well organised fun event. Our hosts had printed a big "Welcome TAYFC" banner situated over their main entrance, the weather was dry but windy, the perfect start to a perfect afternoon. As the children went into the main suite they were given printed programmes of the afternoons events followed by a professional presentation all about the history and current structure of Tir na nOg - which we now know means "land of youth". As an "ice breaker" the children were given cards that they then had to go and find an opposite partner for the day, introduce themselves and find out something new about that person - then the fun, in four mixed squads, they entered the field where the Tir na nOg coaches had laid out 4 drill areas and each squad spent approx 10 mins in each area before moving on the next drill. Then as a finale, all four squads then played on the main pitch in a mini blitz tournament for about an hour and as they say the "craic" was brilliant - some great moves, goals and points from TAYFC boys which all contributed to a great afternoons exercise. Once the physical effort was over they all posed for photos and we then went back to the main suite where the Tir na nOg parents and committee had laid on a fantastic spread for all - something dear to my heart - as you know !!! :-) A few final words of thanks from both clubs was then finished off with the presentation from their vice-chairman to TAYFC of a magnificent trophy to mark the occasion - the words on the plaque say " Tir na nOg and TAYFC - One Small Step 2006" It was a fantastic afternoon, ask the boys who went? We were made to feel so welcome and the effort and professionalism that was put into the afternoon was justified when you saw the smiles on the faces of the children - our reciprocal event - date to be announced - is going to be just as professional and hopefully as much fun as all the children had at Tir na nOg. Thanks have to go to the children who attended Daniel K, Craig H, Dibbsie, Jonny S, Jamie F, Peter Mc, Paddy G, Alex S, JC & Niall C, Coach Mark Duff, parents and committee members alike plus parents who dropped in on the way home after the soccer tournament in Ballymena - Colm McMullan at Tir na nOg who was our main contact and link between the clubs and all the Tir na nOg coaches, children, committee members and parents who contributed to the afternoon. Finally, personal thanks have to go to David Crawford, who dropped in yesterday as it was he who pointed me in the right direction of "One Small Step" campaign and our contact with Tir na nOg.
