The SSE Airtricity League office receives numerous e-mails but one in particular stood out last week. We felt it was important to share it with the #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld community as it is just one example of the great work being done all over
The SSE Airtricity League office receives numerous e-mails but one in particular stood out last week.
We felt it was important to share it with the #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld community as it is just one example of the great work being done all over the country by the officials, volunteers and parents involved in the under-age leagues.
It was from Derry City Head of Youth Development and Under-13 Manager Paddy McCourt. A SSE Airtricity League legend, McCourt has seen it all and now looks to share his experiences with the young generation coming through the Derry City under-age teams.
The SSE Airtricity National U-13 League started earlier this month with Derry City set to travel to Milebush Park to take on Mayo League. Despite being a non-SSE Airtricity League team, Mayo League have produced some fantastic results in the U-15 League since it's inception and it promised to be a fantastic opening game.
And so it was. Six goals shared between the two teams as Mayo triumphed 4-2 as Luke Flatley grabbed a brace to seal the points on the opening day.
But, that's not where the story ends as McCourt, so impressed by the hospitality of the Mayo League volunteers, decided to inform the SSE Airtricity League National League Underage Co-ordinator Pat Duffy of how impressed he was.
McCourt's e-mail read: "Hello Pat...
"I’d just like to inform you that the hospitality we received last week in Mayo was exceptional. From the minute we arrived, until the minute we departed, they couldn’t have done enough for us.
"They had fruit and water for the boys getting off the bus after a three-hour bus journey and they also provided pizzas post-match for all staff and players. The people that greeted us were incredibly friendly and welcoming which is a credit to the staff involved in their organisation.
"The match was also played in great spirit with both teams utilizing their full panel of available players. The referee had a very good game also & was very approachable before during & after the game.
"All in all, it was a great day out for our staff & players even though we lost the game. We, at Derry City, will be using this experience to improve our own hospitality for clubs traveling to play us at our home venues.
Thanks,
Paddy McCourt
Derry City FC
This is why it is the #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld when we've got so many fantastic people working in the league throughout the teams across the country.
