November Parents Newsletter

November Parents Newsletter 

This has been a phenomenal week for Irish football. Football has made the country a happier place, with scenes not witnessed in a generation. Every training session at the club this week was marked by boys and girls trying to copy Troy Parrott’s finishing or reenact his celebration – and that was just the coaches!  

For those of us of a certain age it was a reminder of Italia 90 when Ireland’s – and Dalkey United’s – greatest player Paul McGrath was a pivotal figure in that golden era. 

Before he went to England, Troy Parrott played for Belvedere. Ireland’s captain Nathan Collins was at Cherry Orchard, while Dara O’Shea played at Templeogue United. Liam Scales, who headed the ball into Parrott’s path, grew up playing for Arklow Town. 

These clubs are familiar to all of us and they have the same challenges we do in terms of facilities and playing as much football as we would like, especially when the weather has hit us as it has over the past three weeks. We will continue to engage with the council in terms of access to pitches and improvements to our current facilities. This week has been an important reminder to all of the power and the joy that football brings. The first step is simply to play. 

Parrott’s story captured the headlines. He was tipped for greatness from an early age but his move to Tottenham didn’t work as it should. Football has always been ruthless, but Parrott was moving into one of the most competitive marketplaces in the world. A study in 2017 showed that 98 per cent of players who joined an English league club academy at 16 were not playing in any of the five top divisions in England just two years later.  

While we must strive for excellence, it also underlines why we must always make football enjoyable. 

The DDSL Silent Sideline initiative has been a welcome development as, apart from anything, it underlines that the kids do not need coaches or parents bellowing on the sideline to express themselves on the football field. 

Last month Graham Whelan organised an evening for coaches in the clubhouse which looked at how we can help all of our volunteers. It was a stimulating night and we will have further events for coaches, parents and Dalkey United members in the new year. 

Finally, all of us at the club would like to offer our deepest condolences to Franco on the passing of his father.  

-Dion, Chairman

Saturday Morning Academy – Limited Girls’ Spots Available! 

Our Saturday Morning Academy is almost full — but we’re delighted to have a few remaining places for girls born in 2018, 2019, and 2020! 

Training takes place on Saturday mornings at Castle Park Astro, offering a fun and supportive environment for young players to learn and enjoy football. Contact Clare on 086 1943102 for the registration link. 

Please spread the word and help us grow our fantastic girls’ section!  

Highlighting our Senior Team

We have a brilliant Senior team with loads of tenure in the club. We thought it was about time that we shared a bit about them. First up are Jonathon McCann and Harry Flynn who have both been with the club since their earliest Academy days.

We’re Looking for a number of roles to be filled 

Communications Lead 

We need to find a new Communications expert to take our member and player comms to the next level. We’re looking for someone who can help us foster a sense of community, improve engagement, and ensure all our members are informed and involved in club activities. This will include our monthly newsletters, revamping our website, developing our social media presence and any other ideas that can increase engagement and publicise Dalkey United’s achievements and events. 

Behaviour and Disciplinary Officer (BDO) 

This will be an additional club liaison person between the club and DDSL on all behaviour and disciplinary matters. The appointed person must be garda vetted and have completed or applied for their safeguarding. The BDO will be responsible for supporting the DDSL Behaviour, Culture and Referee initiatives, including “Be a Ref” and “Junior Ref Academy” campaigns, “Born to Lead” Programmes and the “It’s My Game!” Silent Sideline initiative.

If you are interested please contact Dion at [email protected]. 

Bobble Hats are Back 

Winter is Coming. We have a limited run of stylish Dalkey United bobble hats that are set to arrive any time and are guaranteed to keep you warm.  They also make for the perfect stocking stuffer. They can be purchased here for €20: Dalkey United Bobble Hat.

If you’ve recently ordered one, we’ll get in touch as soon as we have them on hand and arrange a collection time.

Club Kit for 25/26

We encourage all match aged players to wear the official track suit tops to training and matches.  These are available, in an extensive club shop, through our partners at Teamwear. 

Dalkey Players About Town

Richard McNally (left) from the U-10 boys squad was a mascot at the FAI Cup final.

On the 17th November, DLR waves ran another academy training session for our young Dalkey players. 16 eager girls from our 2013-2016 teams attended on the night and enjoyed a fun training session and mini blitz with DLR Waves coaches & players at Beckett Park. A great evening of football and a nice way for the girls to meet some senior League of Ireland players.