Coolmine clients achieve coaching certificates

17 young men from the Coolmine Therapeutic Centre on Grove Road, were the proud recipients of FAI coaching certificates following their recent completion of a Kick Start 1 course organised in Verona FC by Fingal County Council and FAI development officer, Mick Pender.

Presenting them with their certificates, Minister of State Pat Carey TD said “as part of the rehabilitation process, we place great emphasis on getting fit, staying fit and having a healthy diet and lifestyle. The fact that you have stayed this stretch of the course shows how far you can go in your lives.”

Mick Pender explained that “the Kick Start 1 course is the first level on the football coaching ladder and qualifies its participants to coach kids between 6 and 9 years. The 17 young men who completed this course will now work with local schoolboy clubs as part of their practical work. I am hopeful that many will now progress to level 2 and beyond. All of those on this course are clients of Coolmine and were a credit to the centre.”

Another speaker at the event was Sean Kavanagh, founder of the Irish Street League which sends an Irish team to the Homeless World Cup each year. “Sports is a great catalyst to build up your self- esteem and confidence,” he said.

This year’s Homeless World Cup will be held in Australia and according to Sean some of the participants in the Coolmine course could well end up on the Irish team based on some of the skills they displayed in the course. “This would be a great goal for you to strive for,” he said. “The Street League is affiliated to the FAI and anyone playing for the Irish team will qualify for a full international cap.”

Speaking to Community Voice, Minister Pat Carey, said his department had provided over €20,000 in funding to this year’s street league. “Football is a simple but effective tool to engage individuals on a regular basis who have traditionally had chaotic lifestyles with little access to sporting activities. The league has helped to generate a new found enthusiasm that encourages participants to look at alternatives to drug and alcohol abuse.”

In an unscheduled contribution to the event, one of the course participants, Daryl Maher paid tribute to the work of Mick Pender in providing the training for the Coolmine members. “I know that you are very busy, but you took time from your busy schedule to run this course for us. You have been recognised here for all that you have done and I hope that you will also be recognised for your efforts outside,” he said.

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