HEAD of Junior Academy, David Platt, has penned an end-of-season reflection piece after the 2024/25 season is brought to a close…
Dear Parents, Guardians, Players and Coaches,
As we close another exciting season at Coleraine FC Junior Academy, I’d like to take a moment to share a few reflections — With awards day just around the corner, I want to wish all our players the very best of luck — your hard work and progress this season has been outstanding.
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
Coleraine FC is deeply rooted in its community. This season, it’s been fantastic to see so many young players from across the area not just playing football but also loving the game — and doing so with purpose, teamwork and passion.
The Youth Academy operates through a committed network: players who participate, parents and guardians who support, coaches who coach and mentor, and partners who invest in youth development. This team enables us to provide experiences and opportunities for growth.
REDEFINING SUCCESS
During a recent IFA club audit, I sparked an important discussion around successes: how do we at Coleraine define “success” in youth football? It’s natural to think of success as producing players who progress into senior squads or earn contracts across the water — and yes, that is something to be proud of and a definite improvable long-term sustainable aim of the club, but it’s only part of the story.
Success is also a player who continues playing locally after their time with CFC. A fan who remains connected to the club for life. A young person who becomes a coach, referee or volunteer in our community. A child who grows into a confident, respectful and resilient adult, all shaped in part by their time in our academy.
As we strive to become more sustainable through continuous improving our development, we also want to broaden our definition of success — ensuring we better support every young person who walks through our gates.
Recent academy graduates Senan Devine, Alfie Gaston, Matthew Burns, and Conor Wilson have achieved international recognition, with three advancing on to senior football. There is notable strong representation from our academy at Super Cup within the County teams and SBYL Select teams, eight of our U13s selected for IFA Technical Development Programme Camps, and our U13 Coleraine boys team have qualified for the Super Cup Minor Section. This snapshot of successes highlight the effectiveness and importance of our improving pathway.
WELL DONE TO OUR AWARD WINNERS
The awards ceremony for the girls has already taken place, while the boys’ awards is scheduled for next weekend. To each of this season’s award recipients, boys and girls — well done. Your achievements reflect hard work, progress, and the values we hold as a club. We’re incredibly proud of you.
LOOKING AHEAD: EMBRACING CHANGE
We’re now entering a period of significant change in youth football across the Irish League. From 3v3s to 11-a-side, and with NIFL development leagues expected to begin at U14, the pathway is becoming more structured and aligned with modern development principles.
Change presents challenges and opportunities. It is important to collaborate to ensure Coleraine FC actively participates in this development and maintains a significant role within it.
Thank you all for your passion and commitment this season. Your efforts are shaping our club’s future and positively impacting the young people we support.
Here’s to a bright future.
David Platt – Head of Junior Academy