Waiting for that text

It amazes me the power of the desire we feel as we want our respective teams to do well.  I was travelling home from abroad this Saturday and it meant missing my u12 team's Irish cup match. Unfortunate I thought, but, no bother, I'd get a text with the score when it was all done. I'd sit back at the airport, have a cuppa, and read the paper. The team was in great hands and there was nothing I could do.
Alas, little did I know how much I would fret as I sat at the airport waiting for the beep, the chirp, the little electronic noise that would confirming the win/loss/or draw. It was hell. I paced, I turned the phone off, then on, then off again...I ran through the scores a thousand times in my head. We won, we lost, it was definitely in extra time. Certainly, no paper or cup of coffee....

Finally, the ping came....I waited, touched the envelope icon, looked away, partially covered the screen, and then yelped with relief...thankfully, we won. And, I know, my delight was another coaches despair.

I write about this as I want to emphatise with all of the managers and coaches out there who give so  much of their time and energy. Involvement in coaching is wonderful and rewarding but also stressful and irritating. The hours of training in howling winds and screaming rain....when you're hands are so cold your bum becomes the heater...when you stand on the sideline pretending you are calm and cool only to follow yourself seconds later sprinting towards the goal. When you miss that match yet yearn for that result.
But, please, always know, the impact that you have as a coach is so wonderful and impactful. Some of the greatest influencers on young lives are those that dedicate their time and passion to the coaching and development of young people as they grow as individuals as part of a team.

Certainly, from us all here in Colga, we recognise this and we salute you all. Thank you to all the wonderful coaches and managers we have in this club. 

Dave

new manager, new hope, grass roots excitement

Another big week in Irish Football. End of the Trap era and no doubt lots of different emotions and feelings at the grassroots level. Achievement wise, getting close to one world cup, qualifying for the European finals, looks a worthwhile accomplishment. As a football fan, and someone dedicated to working with young players, my own personal view was one of dissappointment over the past 5 years. It is sad to see the style of play from an Irish football team and certainly not an approach I would encourage at our club. My hope is the association will make the right choice and invests into a manager and structure which encourages the overall development of the game. My one true desire is to rediscover my love and care for our international football team.

On a more local note, this weekend and next marks the start of two of the most significant competitions on the Juvenile football stage and creates lots of grassroots and local excitement - this is where the game is truly loved and played. The Connacht Cup kicks off for our juvenile teams this weekend and represents the opportunity to play against some of the best teams across the county. Next weekend, the underage FAI (All-Ireland) competitions kick off and is one of the most exciting competitions to be a part of. As a player it was a competition that I loved as it provided the chance to travel and meet teams from such diverse areas. Needless to say, I'm hoping Colga will prove ourselves on the field but most importantly I hope our players get the opportunity to take part in 2 historical competitions which have proved the breeding ground for so many successful players

Also want to wish Gerry Martin and our junior mens team the best of luck in the 1st round of the Junior FAI cup. A daunting fixture away to Mervue on Sunday awaits. Good luck lads.

Dave

New Juvenile Season

Today marks the beginning of the boys juvenile season for Colga. Teams representing Colga from u11-u17 will begin their 9month long journey across the county, the provence, and maybe even across the country. There will no doubt be joy and sorrow, laughter or tears, hugs and kicks, and the full gammit of every other emotion as players and managers seek the holy grail of success in league and cup competitions.
If you get the chance, have a few minutes to spare, come up to a game and support the players. It may be a turn, a move, a shot or a save but it will be a moment to share and you are all welcome.
We are a proud club with fantastic players and managers and we wish them all the best this season.

Dave

All Ireland Final - Colga Ladies, Sunday, Sept 1st, 3pm

Sunday marks the highlight of the year for ladies junior football in Ireland. We are proud that Colga's ladies junior team will complete in the FAI All Ireland final this coming Sunday. For those of us who have grown up playing and loving the game, you know well the sense of achievement and excitement to get the opportunity to play in the biggest game on the football calendar. For year's, through the work of so many people, Colga has focused in developing the girls and ladies game - on Sunday, the culmination of all of that effort goes on display against Douglas of Cork. I can but wish Dave Morrissey and the team all the best of luck on Sunday. Kick off is 3pm in Fahy's Field in Mervue - it would be great to see as many Colga supporters as possible at the match.

Dave

Beginning of new season

The new mens/boys season kicked off yesterday with Gerry Martin's team beating Cois Fharraige 2-1 in our opening game. Great way to get things going - the junior team have another game Thursday evening away to Medtronic...a team that was promoted last season.
The season opens for the underage male teams on Saturday, Sept 7th, with matches already scheduled for each one of our teams (u16/15/14/13/12s) over the weekend - all of the fixtures are up to date on http://www.galwayfa.ie/clubFixtures/2792/colga_f_c

The club is also preparing for our junior ladies FAI Cup final which takes place in Fahy's Field, Mervue, on Sunday, September 1st. The game against Douglas of Cork should prove a humdinger so please keep an eye on our web site + facebook page for final details. This is a proud moment for the club.

Good luck to all of the players across the junior and juvenile teams as the season kicks off.

Dave

John Delaney took time out to visit us at our grounds in Kilcornan recently to witness the seeding of our newest pitch & also see how our facilities in general are growing!