Development

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What is the Development Centre?

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The Development Centre is exactly as the name suggests. It is a soccer centre (or Academy) that welcomes boys and girls from the age of 6 to 12 years old to learn new soccer skills, enhance those skills already learned, develop friendships and play soccer in a fun, non competitive way.

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Why Non-Competitive?

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The whole purpose of the mini skills soccer centre is to give the children a “sport for life” that they will enjoy participating in no matter what their technical ability. The IFA in conjunction with UEFA are encouraging all clubs to develop this ethos so that all children can find a level that suits them in the game. Aquinas FC fully endorses this ethos and believes that there will be plenty of time for competitive football when the children get into their teenage years and beyond.

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What is the Connection with the IFA?

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The IFA (Irish Football Association) is the governing body of the sport in Northern Ireland and is a leading decision making member with UEFA (European Governing Body). Aquinas FC, as one of the largest and most innovative youth soccer clubs in Northern Ireland has decided to embrace this and take a lead from them in order to develop not only the club but all our players. They will advise on best practice for player development and enhancement and can also advise on fiscal matters, ground development etc. Hopefully we will see this partnership grow as we as a club grow in the next few years