Larkin Community College and Shelbourne Football Club mark successful first year of Football Development Programme

Students, parents and teachers today gathered at Larkin Community College in Dublin’s north inner city to mark the successful completion of Year 1 of the school’s three-year Football Development programme (FDP).

Developed in conjunction with Shelbourne FC, the programme aims to empower young people to engage in education through their love of football and encourage them to achieve the key learnings and skills of the Junior Cycle Programme, which the initiative complements.

Participants of the FDP follow the regular school timetable throughout the three-year Junior Cycle Programme, with specific additional initiatives added to the timetable for the 24 participating students.

Pictured are Manager of Shelbourne FC Damien Duff and LCC students Toni Burke and Isabelle Graham.
Picture Jason Clarke

These initiatives take place before regular classes begin, during lunchtime, after school and sometimes during subject class time, with the Year 1 FDP curriculum including modules such as:

• Meditation
• Fireside chats with invited guests
• Yoga
• HSE Healthy Eating

Students also participated in weekly football training sessions with Shelbourne FC coach Aaron Roe, supported by teachers from the school and were invited to watch their Shelbourne FC heroes play at Tolka Park.

Speaking about the programme,Larkin Community College Principal, Thomas Usher said: “Understanding the opportunity and potential of integrating education and sport to enhance  
student engagement and participation is a long-held belief in Larkin Community College.

“It has been a privilege to witness the commitment and enthusiasm of everyone involved in this programme and the excellence being delivered is evident through the dedicated coaches, the diverse and engaging activities and the commitment of LCC, Shelbourne Football Club and all of our mentors and FDP committee members.

“The feedback from our students has been incredibly heart-warming, with some participants saying they actively look forward to coming to school on football days and reporting growing confidence in themselves.

“As a DEIS school, we are acutely aware of the importance of staying in education, which is a powerful catalyst for individual growth and unlocking future opportunities.”

Delivery of the programme was measured by Grant Thornton Ireland, who today published a report confirming the incredible success of the initiative’s first year, with findings such as:

• Improvements in students’ physical and social development, measured by DCU’s School of Health and Human Performance
• Increased enthusiasm for school attendance by participating students
• Greater collaboration between students of differing cultural backgrounds and athletic ability

Pictured are Alfie Sheridan and Ero Inegbeze

Michael McAteer, Managing Partner, Grant Thornton Ireland and Chairman of the LCC Football Development Programme said: “Having been Chair of this fantastic programme since June of last year, I have seen first-hand how important this initiative is in encouraging students to remain in the education system. 

“The commitment and dedication of all involved, Larkin CC, Shelbourne Football Club staff and the students themselves, is very apparent.

“Education is key to everyone’s personal development and success–it opens doors and gives young people more opportunities. This programme makes a difference in the lives of the students who take part, and I look forward to my continued involvement with it.”