WELCOME TO FDMC SOCCER

Welcome to the FDMC SOCCER attachment.

I envisage a review of the current program, so that we can put systems in place to provide quality opportunities for all students to play football at both an elite level and on a social basis. My three aims are to:

• Promote individual player development
• Enhance overall team development
• Raise the profile of the game to encourage and stimulate on going participation at our school

I joined the college as a member of the P.E. staff last year and brought my vast experience, both as former professional and semi professional footballer in England and a UEFA qualified coach to enhance the fortunes of the 1st X1 team. Together with a very good crop of senior players we enjoyed a highly successful unbeaten inter-college season, which culminated in finishing Bronze medal winners at the NZ Secondary Schools Linwood Cup Soccer Tournament - missing out on a deserved place in the final after extra time and a penalty shoot out.

The interest in our sport and the potential for ongoing success at the college is obvious and I want to be more proactive in ensuring that this happens. In order to achieve these aims, I intend to enhance the soccer program in a number of ways, including:

• Re establishing FDMC 1st X1 as a senior soccer club again for the first time since 1997 and gaining entry to the Taranaki Premier League for 2008 (now approved)
• Upgrading the quantity and quality of resources including; modern training and fitness equipment, soccer balls, coaching aids and match related items, which the whole soccer program will benefit from
• Increasing the focus on quality coaching for younger players at the college (establishing a Junior Academy / Development Centre).

We are looking to the FDMC Community to assist in promoting this and we will be using the FDMC Soccer attachment to proactively promote and celebrate our success. It will also provide ongoing details relating to the Latest News, Squad Profiles, Fixtures/Results, Soccer Chat, Coaches Corner and many more. I would also like to establish some regular archive material or reference to FDMC Old Boys who were part of previous soccer teams at the college.

If you have any information, queries or are willing to support this vision in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me at:

ian.mcgrath@fdmc.school.nz

Ian McGrath

1st X1 Coach and Soccer Co-Ordinator