Liverpool FC coaches return to Greater Shankill thanks to Church Army's Val Thom

The Liverpool Football Club’s community coaching team is back in north and west Belfast over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The coaches, returning to Paisley Park for its fourth visit, will train children and young people how to kick goals and master football skills, drills and tactics. In addition, the coaches will help young people to develop soccer skills and increase their self esteem through a fun cross community event, open to all.

The club has been to Paisley Park every summer for the past four years, working in the community to help the young people of Greater Shankill fulfil their full potential and develop necessary skills needed for a balanced life.

Val Thom of Church Army is spearheading this return visit. She says, "This is the fourth year that Liverpool Football Club community coaches have visited the area, it is a positive experience and give those attending a sense of worth, when a club like Liverpool returns to the area every year."

Coaching sessions take place on Easter Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday April 12 at 10am, the Liverpool FC Chaplain, Bill Bygroves, will do a presentation at St. Columbas Church, Ballygomartin Road, on faith and sport, covering themes of racism, sharing, bullying, drugs and community responsibility. The presentation, which will be attended by young people and their parents, will raise awareness of the issues affecting young people, focusing on the fact that it is more important to be a better person, than a good footballer.

Last summer, over 200 children aged between six and fourteen, most of whom had no particular church connection, had the time of their lives being trained by Liverpool FC coaches. The Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor, Rt Rev Alan Harper joined the kids for a kick-about under the glare of press photographers and TV cameras at Paisley Park, Belfast. Val Thom says, "Those attending had a very positive experience. They also had a chance to hold the European cup, which the chaplain and staff brought over. We also had a community meal where one man on leaving said ‘this has not just made my day but made my life’."

The event cost £10 for the two days and is open to everyone although registration is required.