January 2020 Newsletter to Parents

This article provides an update on the progress and plans at Templeogue United F.C. for 2020 and beyond.

Facilities Development
The new grass pitch is making significant growth progress and we hope it will be ready for games after the summer break. We have applied, in conjunction with our neighbours, St. Jude’s, for a Capital Sports Grant to upgrade the all-weather surface and surrounds. We will keep you informed of progress. The club also has plans for continued development of the changing rooms and the area around the club shop.

Coaching Structure
The coaching set up for 2020 is very close to be finalised. As always, there are requirements for change in some age groups as the teams move through the age group formats and the size of squad’s changes and the number of teams in some age groups is altered. It is inevitable, that some players don’t get to continue with the same coach. We understand that this is sometimes a challenge for young players, but it is part of progression through their football development and it is our job to ensure that we have quality coaches throughout the age groups, at all levels. All of our coaches are actively supported to participate in the FAI coaching pathways and accreditation process. We also provide Child Welfare, player development and 3rd party coaching seminars as well as our regular internal coaching meetings / sessions.

Teams / Grading
This is always a difficult time of the year for young players as teams are picked and restructured to meet the standards of the Leagues the teams are entered in. It is impossible to keep every player / parent and coach happy within this process. The FDC have been assessing and will continue to monitor and support this process across all age groups and levels and we are confident that there is transparency and fairness at the centre of all decisions made. It is critical for the development of a young footballer that they play at the appropriate level to continue their progression. Coaches and the Football Development team will observe the progress of players and teams on a regular basis and there will lots of opportunities for players to be re-graded at future dates. We all, as parents and coaches, become attached to groups of players / parents and there is an inevitable feel of “our team” to some groups. We have encouraged coaches and parents over the last few years to see the bigger picture of “Club” and to support all decisions made by the coaching teams.

Girls Section
The Club is very keen to expand and develop our girls section we intend to have an open day in February and we plan to invest in attracting new players to the club and to encourage young girls to take up and stay involved in football.

Club Ethos
TUFC is very conscious of our role in the development of our players, both on and off the field. We are a Community Club and we are committed to provide a safe, fun and well-structured environment for our players of ALL abilities. Players and parents are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that represents our club. Our coaches are encouraged to play football that develops the players and that players should be allowed to play in a positive environment with the freedom to express themselves and learn from mistakes without fear. We encourage self-discipline, particularly in the younger age groups, and players should be encouraged to:

• Arrive on time for all sessions and games
• Wear TUFC kit to all training sessions and games as depicted by coaches
• Respect coaches, opposition players and referees at all times while always competing with pride for their team and club
• Bring water, shin pads, kit for training etc.

For the older children (under 13+), we intend to introduce a healthy choices program in 2019. This is designed to promote a healthy eating and lifestyle approach and to enable them, through sport, to say NO when / if they are approached outside of football by potential negative influences. 

For parents: Please adhere to Club policy and remain behind roped off areas at games and do not enter the all-weather facility, this is the players “space” and is not for parents. Also, when available, please help the coaches with setting up goals, collecting referee fees, washing kit etc. This is very much appreciated by the coaches and the Club as it helps to share the workload in keeping the club running.

New Coaches
TUFC is always looking for new coaches to participate at all age groups and levels. If you feel that you have the skillset, time and patience to volunteer and give something back to the game, please let us know. Garda vetting and completion of a Child Welfare course are compulsory.

We look forward to another enjoyable season ahead with your help and support and the fantastic and selfless commitment from our coaching teams. The most important thing, always, is that the players continue to develop and enjoy playing football, at whatever level and the game becomes part of who they are and stays with them through to their adult years.

We hope the club can provide a sense of identity and that we can encourage a positive sporting environment for them to develop as young men and women.

Yours in Sport
TUFC Football Development Team