Ballyclare Gazette - Sports - Alpha Newspaper Group teams up with the Irish Football Association

Sports

Alpha Newspaper Group teams up with the Irish Football Association

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Alpha Newspaper Group teams up with the Irish Football Association thumbnail Lisa Morrow (Carling), Jack Grundie (Chairman of the Premiership Committee) and Jordana Busby (Carling).

WELCOME to the February Irish FA column in the Alpha Newspaper Group. This month Chris Sherrard chats to Northern Ireland Under 21 manager, Steve Beaglehole and we bring you the latest news from the domestic game.
Steve Beaglehole is looking to the future after his U21 side took one point from a possible six in their 2009/11 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying games in November. The team drew 1-1 with defending champions, Germany at The Oval. They were then undone by two goals as table-toppers Czech Republic left Ballymena with all three points.
Despite being unable to take his targeted two wins, the manager will have taken many positives from the performances. Manchester United starlet Oliver Norwood was the man with the golden boots as far as Northern Ireland were concerned as he banged in stunning free-kicks in both games.
On top of that, captain Craig Cathcart - another of the Old Trafford stable's pedigree products - was immense at centre-back, marshalling his backline with aplomb and producing a standout display. He was playing in a defence which also contained Lee Hodson, (a Watford regular this season), as well as Manchester City's Ryan McGivern and Blackburn's Johnny Flynn. So certainly an experienced backline but one which is still young for this age group and will, no doubt, improve the more they play together.
So, much to admire in the ranks and Beaglehole concurs that the future is bright, despite taking just a single point: "When you consider that a lot of this squad is still eligible for the U19s, boys of the quality of Norwood, Hodson and Shane Ferguson, then you have to say we are in good shape.
“We don't have the volume of players of a country like England but what we do have is some quality players and Nigel Worthington has shown that he's not afraid to give the young players a chance if they're good enough.
“That's what they need to continue to do - go out and show they deserve their chance at the highest levels. Someone like Ryan McGivern, who has just turned 20, but the senior player in this U21 squad now, is an inspiration to the other boys about what can happen.
"The results may not have gone our way so far but I've been pleased with the performances, bar the home game against Iceland. We were depleted that day and they outplayed us but other than that I've been pleased."
Next up for Beaglehole's boys is a European Championship qualifier away to San Marino on March 2.
Attendance Figures
Meanwhile, in the Carling Premiership, the Irish FA is delighted to announce an increase in the average attendance figures for the first half of 2009/2010 season. The current season has seen the average attendance rate in the League increase by over 12 per cent compared with last season. On average, over 1,300 extra people per week have made their way through the turnstiles compared with last season, and they have been treated to some high-scoring games.
Carling, who this season agreed a three year deal to sponsor the Premiership, must also be praised for the significant role they have played in this increase by having a very hands-on approach with the fans. The 'Carling Presents an Evening of Legends' initiative has been a huge success with the fans and the clubs, with many being fully subscribed well before the day of the event.
Chairman of the Premiership Management Committee, Jack Grundie, is thrilled at the recent attendance report: "This is great news for local football. I believe the fans have recognised that the standard of football in the League has improved significantly in recent seasons, leading to more competitive and exciting matches all across the Premiership.
“I must also congratulate Carling for their tremendous attitude to sponsoring the Premiership. They have made a real connection with fans and clubs all across the League with their approach and understanding of what fans really want, and their Legends evenings are the perfect example of this. The support from Sky Sports has again undoubtedly helped raise the profile by exposing the game to hundreds of thousands of people. Finally the work done by the clubs must also be applauded as they have also played a huge role in increasing the number of spectators. Many of the clubs have held open days, competitions, schools visits and many other offers and promotions to attract new supporters."
The Irish FA's Head of Marketing and Communications, Geoff Wilson, is pleased that one of the main objectives of the marketing plan is being realised: "We have been working hard this season to raise awareness of the Premiership. This season we have welcomed Carling onboard as the new sponsor and with the IFA's dedicated marketing plan and budget we hope that the spectator numbers continue to rise. With the use of sheet billboards, bus shelter advertising, radio and press advertisements, as well as the website www.carlingpremiership.com the awareness and the profile of the Carling Premiership has definitely been raised which has encouraged spectators to make it through the turnstiles."